A few LAPD related questions.

Yes that was my general perception of the police baton, non-lethal but hurts like hell and probably leaves some nasty bruises (+/- other injuries). I'm in medical school and I remember one doctor giving as an example for the Monteggia fracture, football hooligans who arrive at the hospital with these kind of injuries after being hit with batons, usually when they raise their arm and try to protect from being hit in the face (unintentionally of course :D); so it can deal a lot of damage if it's not used correctly. Earlier I looked for some info on how to use a baton and came across this video, what the teaches makes a lot of sense but I don't remember seeing anyone use those techniques, but as you mentioned I've seen plenty of times police officers or gendarms striking the thigh when using the baton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GruAdPZcBng