Operational partnerships - ASP tactical baton SOP (O43b)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This standard operating procedure has been reviewed in February 2024 - no amendments to content made. 

2. What this procedure is about

2.1. This SOP outlines the procedures for the use of ASP Tactical Baton.

Compliance with this SOP and any governing policy is mandatory.

3. Detail the procedure

3.1. The ASP 21" Baton is the approved baton for all officers. No other sized baton will be approved in use unless specifically authorised by a chief superintendent upon the guidance of the SSTU.

3.2 The ‘Arnold Rigid Baton’ is specifically for public order use.

4. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this procedure would have medium potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Risk assessment

5.1. This SOP has been assessed as medium risk.

6. Consultation

• Staff Safety Training Unit
• Equipment Review Group
• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Estates
• Equality and Diversity
• Health and Safety
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Police Federation

7. Monitoring and review

7.1. This SOP will be monitored by the Staff Safety Training Unit and via the National Self Defence and Restraint Practitioner Advisory Group to ensure accuracy is maintained in relation to College of Policing personal safety training guidance. The SOP will be reviewed every two years with the next review scheduled for February 2026.

8. Security

8.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.