Alan Greer, a long-serving police officer who died after his arrest for a historical sex offence, is now being investigated over violent sex offences and attempted murder against multiple women.
Greer, 47, was arrested on April 24 this year after a woman reported being raped in her home in Glasgow in 2012, having called police for help. He was released without charge pending further investigation and found dead on May 6, Police Scotland said.
Further victims uncovered
Detectives have so far uncovered eight further alleged victims, five of whom were sex workers attacked while Greer was off duty, the BBC reported. The BBC added that Greer used hundreds of prostitutes throughout his police career.
Police Scotland is now appealing for more victims to come forward, calling the investigation “one of the largest and most complex inquiries ever undertaken by the anti-corruption unit”.
Background and investigation
Greer joined Strathclyde Police in 2009 before it merged with Police Scotland in 2013, and worked as a PC. He was arrested in April after officers from the anti-corruption unit searched a property in the Wishaw area. He was released without charge and suspended with full welfare support. A number of electronic devices were seized and inquiries into their contents continue.
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
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.
“In recent years, and advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini’s review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues published in 2020, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny. Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments and our commitment to safeguarding policing’s integrity has never been stronger.”
The circumstances of the death following police contact are subject of a Crown-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim is asked to contact the inquiry team via email at [email protected], or by telephone. A dedicated mobile number with text facility is 07484 438 539; a landline with voicemail is 0300 426 6644.
