Hand-held Kinetic Impact Weapons 3.1 BATONS There are 3 main types of batons: Key Technical Features • Straight baton – length varies from approx. 20cm to 2m. Often made of rubber, plastic, or wood. • Side-handle baton (also known as a tonfa) – straight baton with the addition of a side handle. Often made of plastic or aluminium. • Telescopic or extendable baton – usually extends up to 2- or 3times the retracted length. Typically made of aluminium. Batons are widely misused by law enforcement officials to inflict unnecessary or excessive force through beating. Law enforcement officials require training to use them safely, if not, serious injury can occur. Human Rights Concerns Force from side-handled and longer batons is harder to control, and they can be used to inflict greater injury. If driven 'end on' into the target individual, batons can cause bleeding and serious injury, including injuries to internal organs. Overarm strikes and strikes to the head and other vulnerable areas increase the risk of serious injury or death. Batons are sometimes used to apply dangerous restraint techniques, particularly neck holds that restrict breathing. OHCHR: “Neck holds using batons should not be employed, as they present an especially high risk of death or serious injury as a result of compression of large blood vessels or the airway.” 85 Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies OHCHR: “Batons shall not be used against a person who is neither engaged in nor threatening violent behaviour; such use is likely to amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, or even torture.” 86 CPT: “recommends that the use of techniques involving physical force which may impede airflow through the respiratory tract be prohibited.” 87 Examples of Existing Controls The US CCL controls the export of this equipment. Can be manufactured. Proposed Control Trade and transfer should be controlled. Use should be in-line with international human rights norms. 85 OHCHR, UN Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement, 2020, para 7.1.5. 86 OHCHR, UN Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement, 2020, para 7.1.5. CoE: CPT, Report to the Slovenian Government on the visit to Slovenia carried out by the CPT from 31 January to 6 February 2012, 19 July 2013, CPT/Inf (2013) 16, para. 67. 87 65