In my opinion:

1) It's always easier to beg for forgiveness than it is to get permission.

2) Take the road flares out, point that out to the "supervisor", and then put the road flares back, without advertising.

3) Switch to a flare pistol and commercially available 12 ga flares, without advertising.

4) Procure an expanding baton, without advertising.

That's my $0.02 worth.