A 26" telescopic baton is a practical bit of blunt force trauma inducing kit but surprisingly weighty, too weighty to pack along once I've loaded everything I actually need for work. It comes along only on the potentially squirreliest of night shifts: full moons, pagan/Xian/civic holidays (long weekends in general), highly anticipated sporting events.

The best defense really is being aware of your surroundings, follow your instincts and apply a healthy dose of common sense.