Police Scotland Officer Died by Suicide Amid Rape Investigation, More Victims Anticipated
PC Alan Greer's death uncovers a violent double life, prompting a critical examination of police vetting and internal oversight.
Callum Smith
A Police Scotland officer with 17 years of service died by suicide in May, following his arrest on suspicion of rape, as an extensive investigation now anticipates more victims.
The inquiry has already identified five sex workers as victims of serious sexual assault, with allegations against Greer now including attempted murder and violent sexual offending against multiple women.
Detectives have uncovered a further eight alleged victims; five of these were sex workers reportedly attacked while Greer was off duty.
A first known victim reported an attack from 2012; one woman came forward, stating she was raped in her Glasgow home that year.
In 2018, a sex worker reported a man's violence and provided a phone number belonging to Greer, but police could not trace this number at the time.
Electronic devices seized during the search of Greer's property revealed secret photographs of female colleagues, a discovery that significantly expanded the investigation's scope.
Police Scotland anticipates identifying more victims of his violence, as thousands of images recovered from Greer's devices still require sifting.
The inquiry is expected to take many months, and Police Scotland appeals for further victims to come forward.
Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff stated the force's vetting process differs markedly now compared to when Greer joined, claiming he would not pass vetting checks today.
Senior officers insisted no opportunities existed to spot his offending sooner, an assertion that emerged despite details of earlier reports.
Sources close to the investigation indicated Greer's family and colleagues remained 'oblivious' to his violent double life; some colleagues considered the police announcement of his criminal investigation, made just after his death, a callous move.
Folk will be in a state of shock when they learn the full truth. I don't think anyone really knows how bad it is yet.
Greer has been dubbed 'Police Scotland's Wayne Couzens,' a reference that points to the serving Metropolitan Police officer who raped and murdered Sarah Everard while off-duty.
This comparison underscores the profound impact and public concern surrounding officers who betray public trust, drawing parallels to a national scandal.
The ongoing investigation highlights the critical need for continuous scrutiny of internal police conduct and vetting procedures, a need especially pressing given the historical context of such abuses.
The sheer volume of recovered images and the anticipated duration of the inquiry suggest a scandal of significant breadth, challenging public confidence in law enforcement and demanding systemic changes.