Billy clubs, also known as nightsticks, batons, truncheons or bludgeons, are used by law enforcement officers for self-defense or to subdue an unruly suspect. They are usually made of wood or metal and are small enough to be carried on a police officer's belt. Some other synonyms for billy clubs include coshes, blackjacks, sap gloves, and tonfas. In recent years, police use of billy clubs has been controversial, with concerns raised about excessive use of force and misuse of equipment. Despite this, billy clubs remain a vital tool for law enforcement to maintain public safety and control in potentially dangerous situations.