It sucks in translation...
Unfortunately (and Jason would best understand this) - nothing looks worse to a jury than a cop beating someone with a flashlight - a nightmare for the defense / and a winna for the plaintiff. The ol' "it contains batteries - is made out of aircraft aluminum - is generally very heavy - but was it designed to hit people officer? And did you have other means at your disposal to effect the compliance you desired?" :blush:
You can pretty much smack the crap out of someone - as long as it's justified, you don't make it look like it's a sledgehammer beating and it's not "excessive", and you use the proper "utensil".
Unfortunately - you hand a big heavy metal flashlight to an inexperienced, unseasoned rookie and he's going to go to town - guaranteed.
Experienced officers, on the other hand, tend to shoot the ahole...
You ever considered a career change Matt? :whistling: