Entirely why large Maglites are frowned on in LEO carry now. They got used too much as a riot baton. After a while the number of legitimate suits pile up on the counselor's desk and a conference is held with city management and the Chief. Things change.
Not to mention that in the day and age of widespread effective concealed carry, a bat isn't needed. For the LEO, it's bulky, has to be holstered/unholstered getting into and out of a cruiser, beats his thighs chasing down perps, if taken to hand in daylight it could be construed an elevation of force, not just meeting it equally.
Goes to intent - it's a baseball bat first, the "flashlight" part can be met with ease by any AAA micro light these days. In terms of gear on the Batbelt, much better the smaller light. I see lots of older residents walking suburban streets with canes, sticks, and cudgels. It's just a show of force in a politically acceptable way.