Glass as Forensic Evidence

Broken or shattered glass found at a crime scene is an important piece of forensic evidence. The
different types of glass that are often found, such as glass from a window, lamp, headlights, or bottles,
each have unique properties that can be measured and compared. When glass is shattered by a forceful
impact, it scatters for distances up to nine feet or so, and can easily become lodged in a suspect's shoes,
clothing, or hair. If a window or glass object is broken or shattered by a projectile, such as a bullet, the
breakage pattern can be analyzed to possibly determine the angle of trajectory of the projectile,
shedding more light on the crime, such as where the suspect was when the gun was fired.

Using proper collection and preservation techniques when taking samples of glass fragments from a
crime scene is crucial in order to avoid altering the evidence or missing important information.

Initial Crime Scene Assessment

Before any samples are taken, the entire scene should be photographed in detail. Tape measures can be
used in the photographs to show the distances that the broken glass has traveled. Searching for nearby
suspects is of primary importance, as any glass fragments that are retained on their clothing, hair, shoes,
or similar will be more likely to fall off as time passes and will probably be gone after about 24 hours.

Samples of glass should be collected from the representative source (i.e., the broken window) and also
from fragments of glass that are lying on the ground, floor, or furniture. All samples must be labeled
according to where they came from (the original window, a broken fragment on the floor, the inside of
the window, the outside, etc.). All the glass fragments should be collected and labeled so that
reconstructions can be made if desired. If a suspect is found, samples should be taken from their
clothing or hair for comparison. These may be microscopic.

Importance and significance of glass and glass fracture

Glass or glass fragments serve as physical evidence of a great value for the investigation of many
offences such as the burglary,arson,hit and run cases,shooting and assault.

•Importance of glass in crime investigation.

-Forensic scientist examine glass evidence :

-To determine the broader class to which the glass belongs, thereby linking one peace of glass to
another.

-To individualize the glass to one source.

-To pinpoint the source of glass evidence.

If a window or glass object is broken or shattered by a projectile, such as a bullet, the breakage pattern
of the glass can be analyzed to possibly determine the angle of trajectory of the projectile. Therefore the
glass fracture allows the investigator to have better view in crime scene, such as where the suspect was

where and what direction the gun was fired.

Why Does Glass Break ?

* When these glasses are made, they are made in factories which are not carefully controlled for dust
and humidity. Dust in the air, faster cooling, and contact with other surfaces when hot will cause
microscopic cracks and stress in the surface of the glass. When pressure is put on the glass by an
attempt to bend it, those cracks immediately give way and the glass breaks.

Like any other material, glass breaks when it is stressed.

There are 4 types of stress that can lead to glass breakage:

1.Tensile Stress: this type of stress refers to anything trying to stretch the glass. When it comes to most
windows, this type of stress is applied to the glass by its own weight.

2. Thermal Stress: extreme temperatures can cause glass to fail due to thermal expansion and
contraction. For windows, thermal stress is usually caused by absorption of solar radiation.

3.Mechanical Flexing Stress: ever notice your windows flexing in and out on a really windy day? High
winds cause extreme pressure differences between the inside of a building and the outside. These
pressure differences can cause glass to shatter.

4.Twisting Stress: this type of stress can be applied to glass from building settling, or from the window
frame sagging.

At what temperature does glass "break"?

—Glass bottles and jars are usually not affected by ambient, refrigeration, or warm temperatures.
However, high heat (>300°F) and excessive thermal variations can cause glass to shatter or break.