What is the primary goal when striking with a baton?

The primary goal when striking with a baton is to incapacitate nerve groups effectively. This technique focuses on using the baton to target specific areas of the body that can disrupt motor functions and sensory responses temporarily. By applying pressure or striking these nerve points, an officer can reduce a suspect's ability to resist or continue harmful behavior, thereby allowing for safer control and apprehension.

Targeting nerve groups can create an immediate impact that assists in de-escalating a situation, which aligns with the objectives of defensive tactics: ensuring both officer safety and the safety of the individual being subdued. Proper training emphasizes precision and control, ensuring that strikes are executed in a manner that minimizes unnecessary harm while achieving the desired outcome of incapacitation.

In contrast, while inflicting pain or provoking a response may occur as a byproduct of striking, these are not the primary objectives. Control of a suspect may also be a result of such strikes, but the foremost aim is the incapacitation of specific nerve areas to achieve a prompt and effective outcome during a confrontation.