Police discretion and elder mistreatment: A nested model of observation, reporting, and satisfaction

This study examined police reporting behavior in elder mistreatment (abuse, neglect, and exploitation) cases. Relying on a survey of police officers in Alabama, this research investigates a nested model of mandatory reporting using linear regression techniques. Only about half of all elder mistreatment cases are reported to the proper authorities. Job experience, contact with the elderly, under-standing of mistreatment laws, and positive attitudes toward reporting should increase detection, reporting, and overall satisfaction with the system. These causal factors, however; increased detection and reporting, bur not satisfaction Improvements in training and knowledge in elder mistreatment cart be counterproductive. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.