The validity of criminal justice contacts reported by inmates: A comparison of self-reported data with official prison records

PurposeExisting research on criminal justice contact data has not adequately examined the quality of self-reported timing data, has produced discrepant findings on validity as it relates to demographics, and is limited in its assessment of data quality using a life event calendar method. The study described in this article assessed the validity of self-reported contacts with the criminal justice system gathered using a life event calendar with a sample of incarcerated men.MethodsSelf-reports of criminal justice contacts (i.e., arrests, jail terms, prison terms) were obtained from over 700 incarcerated men using a structured life-event calendar method. Similarly, data were collected from the inmate's official records for the same events. These reports served as an external criterion for the self-reports.ResultsResults indicated a significant degree of reporting errors for arrests using the life event calendar approach with better reporting for jail and prison terms. Additionally, individuals with the highest number of previous arrests had the greatest recall difficulties.ConclusionsRecall of arrest presents a difficult recall task. The life event calendar method should either be modified to improve recall of specific events for criminological samples or used instead to capture information on more general and extended events.

Research Highlights►Compared to official records, the life-event calendar method produced substantial under-reporting of arrests, with self-reported timing of arrests being particularly problematic. ►The life event calendar method produced reasonably accurate reports of jail and prison terms. ►Results indicated that those individuals with the greatest arrest histories were more likely to disclose an arrest but did so with the greatest amount of under-reporting. ►No evidence of differential validity based upon the race or age of the respondent was found.