What is a billy club?

A billy club is a short, roughly cylindrical club typically made of wood or plastic. It is used by law enforcement officers primarily for self-defense, crowd control, and apprehending suspects. Billy clubs may also be known as nightsticks or batons. They are usually carried in a belt holster or a ring on the officer's belt. The use of billy clubs has been controversial, with some arguing that they can be used to cause unnecessary harm and are a symbol of excessive force by law enforcement. However, others argue that they are necessary to protect officers and the public from violent individuals.