Telescoping Club Called Safer, More Effective in New Jersey.

Byline: Charles Austin

Apr. 29--FAIR LAWN, N.J. -- It's a standard scene in a television crime drama. A police officer exits a patrol car, slipping a long club into a belt loop before slamming the door of the black-and-white.

But suppose the 2-foot-long club -- baton in police lingo -- was left behind because the officer was in a hurry or because it had rolled under a seat? It happens, police officers say. And when it does, they walk into potentially dangerous situations without an important and non-lethal means of restraining a suspect.

Fair Lawn (NJ) officers recently learned how to use a collapsible baton that is less likely to be left behind.

"It's expandable, easier to carry, and opens with a flick of the wrist," said acting Police Chief Erik Rose. "And it can subdue someone without doing too much damage." Because the baton telescopes to less than a foot long, it stays on the officer's belt even when driving.