When looking at a window for prints, what should you be cautious about?

When examining a window for fingerprints, the presence of broken glass is a crucial aspect to consider. Broken glass can pose several challenges during the evidence collection process. It may disrupt the collection of prints, as the areas where prints might be found can be obscured or damaged. Additionally, broken glass can create sharp edges, posing a safety risk to the investigator while they attempt to recover evidence.

Having an understanding of the state of the glass helps forensic professionals approach the scene safely and methodically. This is essential for ensuring that evidence is collected thoroughly without causing further damage, compromising potential prints, or risking injury to the investigator. Factors like clarity of the glass, weather conditions, and window height are relevant considerations in a crime scene, but the immediate concern posed by broken glass as it relates to safety and evidence integrity makes it a critical factor when investigating window surfaces for prints.