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
ASP telescopic baton
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
The company produces restraints such as handcuffs and plastic ties, 19 different types of flashlights,[2] and other weapons accessories.