Nightsticks, also known as batons or truncheons, are cylindrical police tools used for self-defense and subduing suspects. Other synonyms for nightsticks include billy clubs, blackjacks, tonfas, and sap gloves. Billy clubs and blackjacks are traditional blunt weapons made of wood, whereas tonfas are more modern and made of metal or plastic. Sap gloves have weighty material inserted in the knuckles to increase the impact. The terms "stick," "baton," and "truncheon" are often used interchangeably with nightstick, but they may also refer to other types of police equipment, such as extendable batons or riot shields. Regardless of the term used, these tools remain critical for law enforcement and maintaining public safety.