The validity of arrestees' self-reports: Variations across questions and persons

Abstract

Self-reports of 892 New York City arrestees were compared to urine tests and official criminal records. Disclosure was highest for any priors, incarceration, and recent marijuana use; moderate for cocaine/crack and heroin use and drug priors; but low for index priors and very low for violent priors (disclosure was higher among those who were currently facing these charges). Disclosure of a prior record proved to be a useful criterion for identifying which self-reports to trust. Interviewers' impressions and urine tests were unrelated to the disclosure of recent drug use or official histories. Disclosure of arrest was higher for men and arrestees with more priors.