According to Wiki, “Police use batons as versatile tools for defense, control, and non-lethal force, allowing officers to protect themselves, manage suspects, and maintain public order. Batons serve both defensive and offensive purposes. Officers can use them to block attacks, absorb impacts, and protect themselves from punches, kicks, or weapon strikes. Offensively, batons can be used to strike, jab, or apply control techniques such as armlocks to subdue a suspect without resorting to firearms. The design of modern batons, especially side-handle models like the PR-24, allows officers to pivot the shaft for greater reach and leverage, increasing effectiveness while minimizing injury risk when used properly. Beyond striking, batons are used to control suspects during arrests. The side-handle design enables hooking or trapping an arm, and officers can use the baton to guide or restrain individuals safely. Batons also allow for transitioning between blocking, striking, and restraining, making them a flexible tool in dynamic situations”
Try doing all that with pepper spray and tazers.