NCJ Number
62810
Journal
Trooper Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (OCTOBER 1979) Pages: 60-63
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE USE OF THE POLICE FLASHLIGHT AS A DEFENSIVE INSTRUMENT IS DESCRIBED.
Abstract
WHILE THE PRIMARY USE OF THE POLICE FLASHLIGHT IS FOR ILLUMINATION, ITS DESIGN ALSO MAKES IT USEFUL AS A DEFENSE WEAPON. IT CAN BE USED AS A CLUB BUT CAN BE LETHAL IF NOT HANDLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENTAL POLICY AND TRAINING. THE FLASHLIGHT CAN BE A BRACE FOR THE FOREARM TO HELP DELIVER A BLOW, AND, IF LONG ENOUGH (AT LEAST FOUR-CELL), CAN BE USED FOR GRAPPLING AND RESTRAINT HOLDS. ONE INSTRUCTOR INTERVIEWED RECOMMENDS RESTING THE BUTT OF THE FLASHLIGHT ON THE SHOULDER WITH THE LENS HEAD PROTRUDING FROM THE HELL OF THE HAND DURING A NIGHT STOP TO ALLOW AN OFFICER TO DELIVER A QUICK BLOW. ANOTHER INSTRUCTOR COMMENTED THAT POSITIONING THE FLASHLIGHT IN THE ABOVE MANNER HAMPERS THE OFFICERS' BLOCKING OF OPPONENTS' BLOWS AND THEN DISPOSING THE OFFICER TO USE THE FLASHLIGHT AS A LETHAL CLUB. THE CONVENTIONAL POSITION WITH THE BARREL BENEATH THE FOREARM IS RECOMMENDED BY THIS INSTRUCTOR. BOTH INSTRUCTORS INTERVIEWED PREFER THE D-CELL POLICE FLASHLIGHT BECAUSE IT OFFERS SUPERIOR ILLUMINATION AND DELIVERS MORE STUNNING POWER WITH ITS GREATER WEIGHT AND SIZE. (RCB)