The term "police baton" encompasses various tools used for self-defense and crowd control purposes. Some synonyms for the police baton include nightstick, billy club, truncheon, and cosh. The nightstick is a straight wooden or metal stick designed for hitting or jabbing, often used by law enforcement officers. The billy club is a short, heavy stick typically made of wood or plastic. A truncheon is a long, tapered stick, often made of rubber or metal, used in riot control. Lastly, the cosh is a weighted weapon similar to a billy club but often with a metal or lead-filled core. These tools are used throughout the world, with varying names and purposes, but they all serve to protect against potential threats and maintain peace.