Although these guidelines are not mandatory, they do indicate mandatory law provisions. The guidelines are presented in a format that allows the reader to follow a step-by-step process for analyzing the elements present in an allegation of elderly or dependent adult abuse and selecting the necessary investigative measures to be taken. Guidelines for general procedures pertain to investigative priorities, the initial receipt and evaluation of information, preliminary investigative procedures, the abuse reporting requirement, and followup investigative procedures. Guidelines for the investigation of particular types of abuse focus on physical abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation, neglect and infliction of mental suffering, and fiduciary abuse. Separate chapters address interview and interrogation techniques (interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects) and the investigation of abuse of the elderly in institutions and group residences. Appended supplementary information, glossary.