Maricopa County program targets strangulations

PHOENIX — Law enforcement and hospital officials in Maricopa County are
launching a new domestic violence program targeting strangulation attempts.

County Attorney Bill Montgomery said attempted strangulations are numerous in
domestic violence cases but difficult to prosecute because of a lack of
corroborating evidence.

The new program will make forensic-nurse examiners from Scottsdale Healthcare
available to collect evidence.

Officials said the examiners will use DNA, advanced photography techniques and
other evidence to document strangulation attempts.

The program also will provide law enforcement officers with training on how to
recognize and respond to strangulation incidents.

The program is an expansion of a pilot project begun last year. Participants
included Montgomery’s office, Scottsdale Healthcare and Chandler and Glendale
police.