Strangulation Investigation & Intervention in Oregon | Day 5

This was Day 5 of the Clackamas County Strangulation Investigation & Intervention in Oregon webinar, held November 2, 2026. Presenters discussed coordinated community responses to strangulation, including shared protocols, cross-agency training, survivor access to forensic nurses and medical care, data collection, and geographic barriers. Lake Oswego officials described joint police-fire responses and countywide training goals; a Southern Oregon nurse described launching strangulation exams in January 2025 and coordinating with hospitals, law enforcement, advocates, and prosecutors. Survey results from 50 respondents pointed to gaps in medical partnerships, advocacy capacity, training, and rural access. The webinar also covered hidden homicides, family communication, investigative protocols, and the use of expert witnesses in strangulation prosecutions.

Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth described an ongoing audit with Equitas, plans to train detectives and paramedics, a newly launched victim portal, and an intention to build a new Family Justice Center. Speakers also discussed proposed Oregon hidden-homicide legislation expected to be reintroduced in January 2027. No contract awards, RFPs, procurement approvals, spending votes, or specific project budgets were identified; the Family Justice Center plan and hospital agreements were not presented as procurement actions.