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ASP, Inc.
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Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc. (ASP, Inc.) is a US-based manufacture of compliance equipment used by law enforcement and private security companies. It is best known for its ASP telescoping batons.
Key Information
History
[edit]ASP was founded in 1976. Agencies such as the US Secret Service began using ASP batons as an intermediate non-lethal weapon. In 1987, the company launched the ASP training division with the inaugural Tactical Baton Seminar, held in Atlantic City. In 1995, the company entered the pepper spray business with the introduction of the Defender. In 1996, it entered the police flashlight business. In 2004, it began designing and engineering restraints.
Products
[edit]ASP telescopic baton
[edit]
ASP manufactures telescopic batons.[1] ASP batons have been adopted by law enforcement agencies in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, and expandable batons are sometimes referred to as "Asps".
ASP batons are friction-lock in design, and are opened by swinging the handle forcibly through the air. To close this type, the baton's tip is driven into a hard surface to break the friction. The friction-lock Airweight series (P12 and P16), for plainclothed concealment, was released in 2012.
Other products
[edit]
The company produces restraints such as handcuffs and plastic ties, 19 different types of flashlights,[2] and other weapons accessories.
References
[edit]- ^ Johnston, J.A. "A.S.P. Tactical Baton Assessment" (PDF). Retrieved 2019-10-02.
- ^ "Tactical Lighting". ASP Inc. Armament Systems and Procedures. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
ASP, Inc.
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc. (ASP, Inc.), founded in 1976 by Kevin Parsons, PhD, is an American company headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, that designs, manufactures, and supplies less-lethal compliance tools and training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals worldwide.[1][2]
ASP's core product lines include expandable batons, such as the Talon and Friction models, chain and hinge handcuffs like the Sentry series, oleoresin capsicum (OC) aerosol sprays for personal protection, and high-performance tactical flashlights, all engineered for reliability and officer safety during use-of-force encounters.[3][4][5]
The company holds over 150 patents and delivers training programs adopted by agencies in more than 100 countries, providing approximately $2 million in free instruction annually to promote legally defensible techniques that prioritize de-escalation and minimal harm.[6][7]
Trusted by over 4 million users globally, ASP emphasizes empirical design improvements derived from field testing and officer feedback, distinguishing its equipment in the less-lethal sector.[2]
Company Overview
Founding and Leadership
ASP, Inc., operating as Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc., was established in 1976 by Kevin Parsons to develop and supply specialized tools and training for law enforcement professionals.[1][8] The company's inception stemmed from Parsons' recognition of the need for tactically sound, operationally feasible, and legally defensible equipment and techniques in police operations.[1] Kevin Parsons, who holds a PhD in Police Management, initiated his professional career as an instructor at a police academy, focusing on firearms training and defense tactics.[1][8] He later designed comprehensive use-of-force training systems adopted by major law enforcement agencies and has provided expert testimony in over 500 court cases across nearly all 50 U.S. states, primarily defending police actions.[1][8] These experiences directly informed the foundational principles of ASP, emphasizing innovation in impact weapons, restraints, and related accessories.[8] Dr. Parsons remains the CEO, guiding the company's ongoing commitment to product development and professional training, including an annual investment of nearly $2 million in free instructional programs for officers.[8] Leadership is supported by a multidisciplinary executive team with specialized backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, manufacturing, product engineering, sales, marketing, finance, logistics, and technology, enabling coordinated global operations from the headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin.[1][8]Core Mission and Product Focus
Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc. (ASP, Inc.) maintains a core mission centered on equipping law enforcement officers with superior tools and techniques to perform their duties safely and effectively. For nearly fifty years, the company has prioritized the development and distribution of high-quality compliance equipment, emphasizing products that integrate seamlessly with training protocols designed for simplicity, repeatability, and legal defensibility.[7] This focus stems from a dedication to enhancing officer safety while minimizing risks to subjects, serving agencies in over 100 countries and trusted by more than 4 million professionals worldwide.[1][2] ASP's product portfolio concentrates on less-lethal impact weapons, particularly expandable telescopic batons such as the Friction Loc, Talon, and Agent series, which feature secure locking mechanisms for rapid deployment and retraction.[3] These batons, available in lengths from 16 to 26 inches, are engineered from high-strength steel or aluminum with ergonomic grips to facilitate control holds, strikes, and blocks in dynamic encounters.[3] Complementary products include restraints like Sentry handcuffs and disposable flex cuffs for secure subject apprehension, as well as tactical flashlights providing high-lumen output for illumination and disorientation in low-light conditions.[9] The company's emphasis on product innovation ensures compatibility with modern operational needs, including concealable options for undercover use.[10] Beyond hardware, ASP integrates its mission through extensive training support, investing approximately $2 million annually in free programs that teach defensible use-of-force techniques tailored to their equipment.[7] This holistic approach underscores a commitment to not only manufacturing durable, reliable gear but also fostering proficiency among users to uphold public safety standards.[1]Historical Development
Inception and Early Innovations (1970s–1980s)
ASP, Inc., formally known as Armament Systems and Procedures, was founded in 1976 by Kevin Parsons, who holds a PhD in Police Management.[1] Parsons, starting his career as a police academy instructor specializing in firearms and defense tactics, established the company to develop tools and training systems for law enforcement, emphasizing tactical feasibility and legal defensibility.[1] [8] In its early years, ASP focused on innovating impact weapons, particularly the development of the expandable baton, which featured a friction-locking mechanism allowing for compact storage and rapid deployment.[8] This design reimagined traditional batons into a more discreet and effective tool, gaining rapid adoption among officers due to its balance of portability and striking power.[11] By the late 1970s, ASP's batons became a flagship product, so dominant in the field that law enforcement personnel often referred to any similar device generically as an "ASP."[8] During the 1980s, Parsons advanced ASP's contributions by formalizing impact weapon training methodologies, becoming the first to outline key components such as power generation techniques tailored for officer safety and effectiveness.[12] This period also saw early expansions into related accessories, supported by the company's commitment to patented innovations, laying the groundwork for over 150 patents in defensive tools.[8] These developments positioned ASP as a pioneer in less-lethal equipment, prioritizing empirical testing and real-world applicability over prior wooden or fixed batons.[13]Growth and Product Expansion (1990s–2000s)
During the 1990s, ASP significantly broadened its product portfolio by entering the handcuff market and introducing innovative restraint systems designed for enhanced speed, safety, and ease of use in law enforcement applications.[8] This expansion complemented the company's flagship expandable batons, which saw the development of over 60 variations in mechanisms, sizes, materials, and finishes to meet diverse operational needs.[8] Concurrently, ASP batons achieved widespread adoption by agencies across multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, reflecting growing recognition of their reliability and effectiveness in compliance tools.[8] The company's commitment to innovation during this decade was underscored by accumulating numerous patents, contributing to a total of approximately 150 for unique product features.[8] Entering the 2000s, ASP further diversified into performance lighting products and power solutions, such as specialized batteries, to support tactical operations requiring illumination and sustained equipment functionality.[8] This period marked accelerated global growth, with ASP products trusted in over 100 countries and integrated into training protocols worldwide.[8] In 2004, the company launched handcuff-specific training programs, building on its established baton certification courses initiated in 1987, which enhanced officer proficiency in restraint techniques.[14] These developments solidified ASP's position as a comprehensive provider of less-lethal tools, emphasizing durability, precision engineering, and legally defensible deployment methods.[8]Modern Era and Key Milestones (2010s–Present)
In the 2010s, ASP, Inc. maintained its focus on refining expandable batons and expanding complementary product lines, while emphasizing instructor training programs that have certified thousands of law enforcement professionals worldwide. The company conducted its 500th ASP Instructor Certification Course (AIC) on September 21, 2018, in Chesterfield, Virginia, underscoring decades of commitment to standardized, defensible use-of-force techniques.[14] This milestone highlighted ASP's ongoing investment in free training, exceeding $2 million annually, to support agency adoption of its equipment.[8] Product innovations included enhancements to restraint systems and tactical accessories, with the introduction of the Transport Kit in 2019, which earned the Public Safety Product Innovation Award from the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors for improving secure prisoner handling during transit.[15] At the 2020 SHOT Show, ASP unveiled updated baton models, advanced restraint systems featuring quick-release mechanisms, and performance-oriented tactical flashlights with integrated power solutions, addressing evolving operational needs for durability and rapid deployment.[16] Into the 2020s, ASP broadened its less-lethal offerings with the Defender LE series of OC pepper spray products, incorporating streamlined delivery systems for faster decontamination and reduced exposure times, as reported in field training feedback.[17] In July 2024, the company launched the Police Duty Knife (PDK) series, featuring AUS-8 steel blades, assisted-opening mechanisms, and G-10 grips optimized for everyday law enforcement tasks like cutting seatbelts or packaging.[18] These developments reflect ASP's iterative approach, holding over 150 patents and prioritizing empirical testing for reliability in high-stress scenarios, without major corporate restructuring or acquisitions noted in public records.Product Portfolio
Telescopic Batons and Impact Weapons
ASP, Inc. manufactures telescopic batons, known as expandable batons, as its primary impact weapons for law enforcement and security applications. These devices provide intermediate force options, enabling rapid deployment for strikes while maintaining concealability. Introduced following the company's establishment in 1976, ASP batons have achieved widespread adoption in American policing, to the extent that "ASP" is often used generically for similar tools.[13] The core design features a retracted length of 5 to 10 inches, extending via wrist snap or fingertip action to full lengths of 12 to 26 inches (or equivalent in centimeters for international models). Shafts lock through friction taper in F-Series models or mechanical buttons in Talon Infinity variants, preventing accidental collapse during use. Materials include 4140 heat-treated steel for standard duty, 7075 T6 aluminum for lighter airweight options, and 4130 steel in cost-effective Sentry batons. Over 100 configurations exist, varying by finish (e.g., black chrome, electroless) and handle type.[19][3] Key models encompass the Friction Loc Baton (16, 21, 26 inches; weights 7.3–20 oz), offering tactical sophistication with secure locking; Talon Infinity (40–60 cm; $233–$248), featuring button retraction and lifetime warranty; and concealable Protector (12–21 inches; $91–$115) or Agent series for plainclothes carry. These batons deliver high-impact potential from steel striking surfaces, with minimal maintenance required—no batteries or reloading.[3][19] In addition to defensive striking, ASP batons support multi-role utility, such as extrication or breaking glass with optional tips, enhancing operational versatility. Proper training is essential, as techniques emphasize controlled application to minimize injury risk while maximizing effectiveness against threats.[19]Restraints and Control Devices
ASP's restraints portfolio encompasses mechanical devices such as handcuffs, leg irons, and disposable flex cuffs, engineered for secure apprehension and transport in law enforcement operations. The Ultra Plus Cuffs, offered in chain and hinged variants with aluminum bows, incorporate keyless double locks, dual-sided keyways, and forged alloy frames to facilitate rapid application while minimizing escape risks.[20] These cuffs utilize computer-designed frames for optimal strength and smooth ratcheting mechanisms tested to exceed National Institute of Justice standards.[4] Sentry Chain Cuffs provide a stainless steel alternative with similar premium features at a reduced cost, prioritizing durability in high-volume use.[4] Leg irons, designated as Ankle Plus Cuffs with steel bows, feature replaceable lock sets, double-sided keyways, and are supplied with keys and cases for correctional and transport scenarios.[21] Transport Plus systems integrate wrist and ankle restraints with extended chains or belts, enabling cuff application or removal without disassembly, and include locking mechanisms and storage cases for comprehensive prisoner management.[22] Rigid Plus Cuffs extend restraint capability with reinforced bridges and 9.125-inch lengths, suitable for high-risk subjects.[4] Materials across these products, including ordnance-grade aluminum alloys and heat-treated steel components, ensure resistance to tampering and prolonged service life.[23] Disposable Tri-Fold Restraints, constructed from high-strength polymer, fold compactly for easy carry and deploy oversized loops for swift securing in mass arrest or tactical situations where metal cuffs pose logistical challenges.[4] Available in packs, these single-use devices support aviation security, crowd control, and military applications, emphasizing speed over reusability.[24] Complementing mechanical options, ASP's control devices include the Defender LE series of OC aerosol sprays, formulated at 1.4% major capsaicinoids for potent incapacitation with minimal blowback.[25] Configurations in MK-3 and MK-4 sizes offer fog, gel, and stream dispersions, incorporating UV marking dye for suspect identification and compatibility with conducted energy weapons to reduce deployment risks.[26] The ergonomic, flashlight-like design of handheld models enhances one-handed operation, with ranges up to 12 feet and eco-friendly decon options available.[27]Tactical Accessories and Lighting
ASP's tactical lighting products form a dedicated line of performance flashlights engineered for law enforcement and security applications, utilizing LED technology for high-output illumination and durability. Founded in 1976, the company has manufactured these lights in-house with premium components, avoiding mass-produced OEM alternatives to ensure precision engineering and reliability under demanding conditions.[1] Models range from compact backup units to full-sized tactical variants, with lumen outputs spanning 170 to 2000, beam distances up to 240 meters, and runtimes from 1 to 6.5 hours on high settings, powered primarily by rechargeable lithium-ion or CR123A batteries.[28] ASP positioned itself as an early innovator in handheld LED lighting, prioritizing blinding brightness and impact resistance suitable for operational environments.[29] Key models include the Raptor, delivering 2000 lumens in high mode with a 1.5-hour runtime and 240-meter beam, designed for dual-fuel operation (rechargeable or disposable batteries); the Matrix, offering 650 lumens, strobe functionality, and 6.5-hour runtime for versatile duty use; and the Spectrum UV, which provides 700 lumens alongside red, blue, and ultraviolet modes for specialized tasks like evidence detection, with a 5.5-hour runtime.[30][31][32] Compact options such as the Raven (170 lumens, 2-hour runtime) serve as pocket backups, while the Triad (500 lumens, 3.5-hour runtime) supports modular attachments for batons.[33] All incorporate aircraft-grade aluminum construction and tail-switch activation for one-handed operation, with water resistance ratings typically meeting IPX7 standards for submersion up to 1 meter.[28]| Model | High Lumens | Runtime (High) | Beam Distance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor | 2000 | 1h 30min | 240m | Dual fuel, strobe |
| Matrix | 650 | 6h 30min | 205m | Strobe, multi-modes |
| Spectrum UV | 700 | 5h 30min | 210m | UV/red/blue filters, strobe |
| Triad | 500 | 3h 30min | 200m | Baton-compatible |
| Sentry | 700 | 1h 15min | 204m | Compact duty light |