Former Police Constable Alan Greer, who took his own life after being arrested for rape, is now being investigated for a series of other serious offences including attempted murder and sexual assaults against women. The 47-year-old officer was arrested on April 24 this year after a woman claimed she was raped in her Glasgow home in 2012, having called police to report being a victim of crime. He was released without charge pending further investigation and found dead on May 6, Police Scotland confirmed.
Eight additional victims come forward
Detectives have so far uncovered eight further alleged victims, five of whom were sex workers attacked while Greer was off duty, according to the BBC. The BBC also reported that Greer used hundreds of sex workers throughout his police career. Police Scotland is now appealing for more victims to come forward, describing the probe as “one of the largest and most complex inquiries ever undertaken by the anti-corruption unit.”
Greer's police career and arrest
Greer joined Strathclyde Police in 2009 before it merged with Police Scotland in 2013. He served as a PC until his arrest in April, when officers from the anti-corruption unit searched a property in the Wishaw area. He was released without charge, suspended from duty, and provided with welfare support. A number of electronic devices were seized during the search, and inquiries into their contents are ongoing. On May 6, officers were called to the same property where Greer was found dead. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances, and the BBC reported Greer took his own life.
Police appeal for more victims
Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff said: “My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer’s family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death. The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex inquiries ever undertaken by the Anti-Corruption Unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible. Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances. It is essential that members of the public, victims, and witnesses, feel confident speaking with the police and know the overwhelming majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters, and bring offenders to justice. I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to and given the support you need.”
Wider context of police ethics
In recent years, advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini’s 2020 review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny. Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments, and its commitment to safeguarding policing’s integrity has never been stronger. The circumstances of Greer's death following police contact are subject to a Crown-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. Anyone with information or who believes they may be a victim is asked to contact the inquiry team via email at OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk, or by telephone. A dedicated mobile number with text facility is 07484 438 539, and a landline with voicemail is 0300 426 6644.
