ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which individual confessed to a crime but did not actually commit it?

1. David Baker

2. Richard Buckland

3. Colin Pitchfork

4. Ian Kelly

The correct answer is: Richard Buckland

Richard Buckland is a noteworthy case in criminal justice discussions due to his false confession. In the context of the investigation into the murders of two young girls in Leicestershire in 1983, Buckland initially confessed to the crimes, which led to his wrongful arrest. However, he was later exonerated when DNA evidence definitively proved his innocence and pointed to another perpetrator. This case is often cited as an example of the complexities surrounding false confessions and the importance of forensic evidence in criminal investigations. Understanding the circumstances around Buckland's confession highlights critical concepts such as the psychological pressures that might lead individuals to confess to crimes they did not commit, emphasizing the necessity for careful interrogation techniques and the value of corroborating evidence in investigations.