truncheon

Truncheon refers to a short, rigid club carried by police and security forces as a blunt instrument for defense, restraint, or crowd control. Traditionally made of wood, truncheons may now be composed of composites or metal and can vary in length from roughly 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). The design emphasizes a firm grip and a balanced weight to deliver controlled, non-precision blows.

In policing, the term is often synonymous with baton or nightstick, though usage and form vary by country. Some versions are straight sticks, while others incorporate bakelite grips, ridges, or optional side handles in specific models. In civilian contexts, the term cosh describes a flexible or padded variant designed for defense rather than impact.

Historically, truncheons were standard equipment for constables in the 19th and early 20th centuries and remain emblematic of traditional policing in many countries. Today, batons of various types are issued with training on proper technique and use-of-force guidelines intended to minimize injury. In many jurisdictions, possession or carrying a baton by civilians is regulated or prohibited without authorization.

The word truncheon derives from Old French tronçon, meaning a piece or chunk, and entered English in the medieval period to describe a short piece used as a club.