An Exploration of the External Validity of Self-Report amongst Arrestees

Abstract

Self-report validation surveys in the USA focussing on arrestees' self-reports unequivocally demonstrate that they do not validly report their recent drug consumption despite being a highly drug involved group. Like their American counterparts, English arrestees display very high levels of drug consumption. Data used from the NEW-ADAM programme (1998) is used to explore the external validity of arrestees' self-reports to drug consumption in the 3 days prior to interview. Drug consumption in the UK has become a normalized activity among adolescents, young adults and 'clubbers'. Arrestees and young offenders have recently been added to this list. Therefore the normalization of drug use provides an interesting context through which to view the present findings amongst arrestees.