Why did the police carry whips?

Answer 1

Historically, police carried whips as a tool for crowd control and to enforce order, especially in situations where physical restraint was needed. Whips were seen as a means to assert authority and discipline, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, as policing methods evolved and concerns about excessive force and human rights grew, the use of whips became less common and ultimately fell out of favor. Today, modern policing emphasizes de-escalation and the use of non-violent methods.