In our profession, properly functioning equipment can make the difference between life and death, every single day. Police officers need an advantage to control subjects, and our biggest advantages are training and equipment. If the tool I’ve selected doesn’t work properly, I may have no choice but to protect myself or others by resorting to another force option that is undesirable or even inappropriate for the situation. Properly maintained equipment helps us control subjects effectively and defend ourselves and the people we protect.
I’m dating myself here, but police equipment maintenance back in the day (early 90s for me) was simple. We inspected wood straight sticks and PR24s for cracks, and that was it for our baton maintenance. Our blued steel revolvers required a bit more care, as they would rust if they weren't properly maintained and kept dry. Stainless steel firearms were more forgiving—we just kept them clean and loaded. Flashlight? Turned it on and off. If it didn’t turn on, we changed the batteries.
Today, law enforcement equipment is far more technologically advanced, and like most sophisticated gear, it needs ongoing, thorough maintenance. With care and attention, our modern tools will outlast their predecessors, and certainly outperform them when it matters most.
When it comes to ASP equipment, maintenance is generally pretty simple, but no less critical. Here are a few recommendations:
Expandable Batons
• Keep clean
• Keep dry to prevent corrosion, especially in humid or marine environments
• Check tips and caps for tightness, and make sure there is no damage to tips. Tips should be secured with red thread locker
• Replace worn grips
• Check retaining clips on Friction Batons, and adjust or replace as needed.
• Check internal mechanisms on Talon Batons (release rod, calipers, springs, etc.) and replace any parts showing excessive wear or inconsistent performance
Handuffs
• Keep clean
• Keep dry to prevent corrosion, especially in humid or marine environments
• Check for smooth bow operation and proper locking, double locking and unlocking
• Periodically apply a small amount of quality lubricant (gun oil is recommended) to pivot points, wipe off excess
• On Plus Cuffs, periodically remove Lock Sets, inspect for wear and tear, and check for proper function. Replace if needed (though it is rare to need to do so)
Flashlights
• Rechargeable lights should be charged when remaining battery capacity indicator LED is yellow (20-50% remaining) or red (< 20% remaining)
• Switch caps and bezels should be checked for tightness
• For Dual Fuel models, make sure you have fresh single-use backup batteries with you on every shift
OC
• Check expiration dates and replace Metro and Sport inserts or Defender LE canisters as needed.
• Always replace partially used canisters, subject to department policy.
The best time to check equipment is before and after each shift. This simple daily routine eliminates the randomness of checking whenever you might remember, or worse yet, waiting until something goes wrong.
Investing in quality equipment and performing regular maintenance—no matter how minor it may seem—will ensure that we are safe and our equipment will outlast our careers.
Maintenance isn’t just a chore; it’s a commitment to our safety and professionalism.
NYPD (ret.)
ASP Trainer since 2004
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