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, understanding of mistreatment laws, and positive attitudes toward reporting should increase detection, reporting, and 210 R. S. DANIELS et al. overall satisfaction with the system. These causal factors, however, increased detection and reporting, but not satisfaction. Improvements in training and knowledge in elder mistreatment can be counterproductive. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.