Key facts
- Police officer Alan Greer passed vetting to join Strathclyde Police in 2009 despite prior warnings.
- Greer had been investigated in 2002 and 2005 for making inappropriate phone calls to women, receiving a formal caution in 2005.
- Vetting staff at Strathclyde Police were aware of Greer's 2005 caution when he applied.
- A confidential police document stated Greer would not have passed current vetting standards.
- An independent review in 2023 found significant gaps in Police Scotland's vetting processes.
A police officer who was later identified as a violent serial rapist passed vetting checks to join the force despite having prior reports of criminal behavior against women, the BBC has revealed. Alan Greer was investigated by police in 2002 and 2005 for making inappropriate phone calls, with one case resulting in a formal police caution. He was accepted into Strathclyde Police in 2009, even though vetting staff were aware of his previous caution.
Greer had been a police officer for 17 years when he died by suicide in May, shortly after a police raid on his home related to offenses dating back to 2012. The BBC previously reported that Greer committed attempted murders and serious sexual assaults, including raping a vulnerable woman while on duty. It is also understood he photographed female colleagues inappropriately and had contact with hundreds of sex workers.
Police Scotland had previously stated there were no missed opportunities to identify Greer's offending sooner. However, in response to further questions, the force clarified it had answered questions about his offending during his career but not specifically about his vetting record. Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff had stated that Greer would not pass current vetting checks but did not provide further details at the time.
New revelations show Greer was investigated by Strathclyde police in 2002 and cautioned by the Metropolitan Police in 2005 for inappropriate phone calls. Strathclyde Police confirmed its vetting unit was aware of the 2005 caution when Greer applied in 2009. A partial vetting record references the caution, though it is unclear if the 2002 offense was known. Sources indicate the 2002 issue would have been discoverable.
A 2006 Strathclyde Police handbook stated the force should not recruit individuals with cautions or convictions that could question their integrity. A police source told the BBC that two reported crimes related to women before he joined should have been a significant warning. Craig Naylor, who led a 2023 review into Police Scotland vetting, stated that Greer should not have been hired in 2009 and expressed surprise that no issues arose during his service.
Police Scotland stated it has been transparent and that no information during Greer's career indicated his criminal behavior could have been identified earlier. The recruitment and vetting process will be part of an independent review. A confidential briefing document, "Operation Submarine," prepared for the Scottish government and SPA, detailed Greer's offenses and stated he would not have passed current vetting. However, during an SPA board meeting, these vetting issues were not fully pressed by all members.