Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Corporal Jonathan Ray, Training Division -AOT Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Reserve Officer Ernest Lockwood , PSU Volume 25-17
Safety Glass Breaker Tool
07-30-2025
The Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is authorizing the deployment of a Safety G lass Breaker Tool in
circumstances which require immediate access to a vehicle, as outlined. Consider tactics and officer safety if
you decide to use this tool to break a window. This bulletin provides guidance on the use of the Safety Glass
Breaker Tool, which has been tested and approved as an optional glass breaking tool by the Training Division.
As part of this bulletin, you are also required to view the associated training video which can be accessed by
utilizing the following link: AOT Window Break Training Video
Overview
The Safety Glass Breaker Tool is an optional piece of equipment for officers during situations when there is a
need to break tempered (safety) glass. It is equipped with two functional ends:
• Hardened Metal Point : For breaking tempered glass .
• Seatbelt Cutter : For emergency cutting of seatbelts .
NOTE: The Safety Glass Breaker Tool is not serialized and is available at your respective Command.
Application
This tool is authorized for use in a variety of field situations, including but not limited to:
• Rescue Operations : For example, breaking a vehicle window to rescue a distressed person or provide
medical aid .
• To gain access to a subject inside a vehicle when a detention is necessary .
Additional tools such as kinetic projectile -based platforms may be more appropriate for use in similar
circumstances involving arrest operations .
Usage Guidelines
To effectively break tempered glass:
• Target only bare glass.
• Use the hardened metal point to strike the glass.
• Hold the tool low on the handle to maximize leverage and speed.
• Use a whipping motion to strike quickly and sharply.
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Corporal Jonathan Ray, Training Division -AOT Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Reserve Officer Ernest Lockwood, PSU Volume 25-17
• A swift, pointed impact is key to shattering tempered glass.
Tempered glass resists blunt force; a sharp, high -speed impact is a preferred striking method and
will generally cause it to shatter properly.
NOTE : In an effort to mitigate potential injury, consider the position of persons inside the vehicle as to where
you choose to break the glass window.
Considerations when using alternative methods
Officers are advised of the following limitations with alternative methods:
• A collapsed baton is generally not effective due to the bluntness of its end s.
• An expanded baton , while somewhat more effective, presents some risks, including , but not limited to :
• Overpenetration through the window, potentially causing injury to a subject inside.
• Reduced control and accuracy when trying to strike a small , targeted area.
• Reduced effectiveness rendering the need for multiple strikes and a prolonged period in which to
accomplish the glass break.
• Potential damage to the baton.
• Many commercially available "glass breaker" tools on the market have inconsistent performance.
Common failures occur with knife -based glass breakers that use a pointed tip not made of hardened
materials like titanium or tungsten carbide.
Officers are strongly encouraged to carry this Safety Glass Breaker Tool on their person or have quick access
to it while in the field. For further instructions , review the training video available on the Training Video HUB or
contact the SPD Training Division .