Rs. Daniels et al., Police discretion and elder mistreatment: A nested model of observation, reporting, and satisfaction, J CRIM JUS, 27(3), 1999, pp. 209-225
This study examined police reporting behavior in elder mistreatment (abuse,
neglect, and exploitation) cases. Relying on a survey of police officers i
n Alabama, this research investigates a nested model of mandatory reporting
using linear regression techniques. Only about half of all elder mistreatm
ent cases are reported to the proper authorities. Job experience, contact w
ith the elderly, under-standing of mistreatment laws, and positive attitude
s toward reporting should increase detection, reporting, and overall satisf
action 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.