Police Scotland officer passed vetting despite prior criminal caution

Alan Greer, a former police officer, was allowed to join the force in 2009 despite vetting staff being aware of his previous criminal history. Records show Greer had been investigated in 2002 and received a formal police caution in 2005 for making inappropriate phone calls to women.

Greer was a member of the force for 17 years before taking his own life in May, shortly after a police raid on his home. Investigations revealed a campaign of sexual assault and attempted murder spanning over 14 years. One notable incident involved Greer raping a woman in her home in Glasgow in 2012, hours after responding to her call for police assistance.

Police Scotland has identified 15 victims so far, though officials fear the actual number may be higher. The force previously stated there were no missed opportunities to identify his offending, but has since clarified that those comments referred to his active policing career rather than his initial recruitment and vetting process. The 2009 recruitment process conducted by Strathclyde Police will now undergo an independent external review by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.