Origins and evolution of the traffic police baton
Historical records point to a key moment in 1939 when the state traffic control system adopted a standardized signaling tool. A circular issued by the Main Police of the NKVD of the USSR instructed officers to use a striped black and white baton to direct and regulate road traffic. This simple object became a visible symbol of order and authority on busy streets, and it set a tone for how traffic policing would appear for decades to come.
Before this formal standard, traffic wardens used simpler means to indicate directions. In the early days, white canes appeared around 1907 as the first recognizable signaling tools. Red canes followed in 1922, adding a layer of visibility. However, from 1933 through 1939, there was a period when no signaling wand was issued yet. During those years, officers relied primarily on hand movements and gestures to guide drivers and pedestrians, relying on personal presence and training rather than a visible implement.
From 1961 to 1969, the police again faced a pause in using the classic striped baton; instead, white gaiters were issued as part of the signaling kit. The baton’s absence did not erase the need for clear, authoritative signals. Signaling methods evolved, and soon a return to the striped wand occurred, reaffirming its role as a recognizable cue for road users. Over time the tool evolved with technology and safety in mind, transitioning from traditional wooden constructions to modern plastic versions. The core idea remained the same: a highly visible signal that communicates intent and direction to drivers and pedestrians alike.
Today, while the everyday form has changed, the baton continues to symbolize disciplined traffic management. The modern versions retain the distinctive striped pattern, but the materials have shifted toward lightweight, durable plastics. This shift enhances safety for officers, improves longevity, and ensures high visibility in a variety of weather and lighting conditions. The baton thus stands as a small but powerful emblem of public order on the roads, bridging historic practice with contemporary efficiency.
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