A lightweight plastic baton includes a hollow cylindrical body which telescopically supports a flexible cylindrical plastic baton shaft. One or more slideways support and concentrically center the baton shaft within the hollow body. A flashlight having a strobed light operating mode is coupled to the baton body to provide a less than lethal deterrent to a potential assailant. A radially movable elastic switch cover is mounted substantially flush with the outer surface of the flashlight to prevent inadvertent actuation of one of several selectable flashlight operating modes.