I’ve watched too many videos of cops unsuccessfully attempting to break the side window on a car by striking them with their batons. To break auto safety glass easily you need a small sharp surface. For my entire career I carried a spring-loaded punch about the size of a pen with a clip to attach it to my pocket.
It has a small pointed end that, when pressed against a window, spring loads tension and then fires. Anytime I have put it to use, it the works first time every time.
Make sure that whenever you go about breaking a window you do the following:
- Wear leather gloves. Regardless of the method you use there will be broken glass in the area. The last thing you want to do is cut yourself and then come into contact with a suspect.
- Pick a window away from the passenger or driver. If possible break the rear window or one on the opposite side of any occupants of the vehicle. You are responsible for the safety of the occupants and you don’t want to create any injuries that could be avoided.
- Pick the right tool for the job. Your bare hands or a baton is not your best, safest or most effective choice when it comes to breaking a car window when you need to.
