Which areas are prohibited from being struck with a baton?

The correct answer is all of the above, as law enforcement officers are trained to avoid striking certain areas of the body with a baton due to the potential for serious injury or long-term harm. The head is particularly sensitive, and strikes to this area can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or fractures. The kidney area is also considered vital and can sustain severe damage from blunt force trauma, possibly leading to internal bleeding or organ failure. Similarly, strikes to the groin can be extremely painful and incapacitating, but they also pose risks of severe injury.

The overarching principle guiding the use of force, including baton strikes, is to minimize harm while achieving compliance and ensuring officer safety. Officers are typically trained to target areas of the body that can incapacitate a suspect without resulting in life-threatening injuries. Therefore, striking the head, kidney, or groin is generally prohibited within these training guidelines to prevent unnecessary injury and to adhere to the principles of proportionality and restraint in the use of force.