Police officer who took own life attacked and sexually assaulted women for years
Reports have revealed that a police officer who committed suicide earlier this year was a violent rapist and sex offender who targeted multiple women over several years.
PC Alan Greer’s first known victim told police last year that he raped her at his Glasgow home in 2012 after she called police to report a crime. He was arrested in April and was under investigation by Police Scotland when he died in May this year.
According to the BBC’s investigation, detectives uncovered a further eight victims, including five sex workers, who were attacked while Greer was off duty.
Police Scotland are now asking for further victims to come forward in what has been described as “one of the largest and most complex investigations ever carried out by the anti-corruption unit”.
Police said the allegations against him included attempted murder and violent sexual assault.
Lynn Ratcliff, deputy chief constable for professionalism and assurance, said work was “ongoing” to determine the full extent of Greer’s culpability.
“My thoughts are primarily with the victims in this case who have come forward and reported these allegations, as well as the family, friends and colleagues of Alan Greer who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death,” he said.
“The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex ever undertaken by the anti-corruption unit, and significant work continues to establish the full scope of the crime and identify and support as many victims as possible.”
He added that Greer cannot be prosecuted for these allegations, but that the investigation is focused on “identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice and setting out all the circumstances.”
“It is crucial that the public, victims and witnesses feel safe talking to police and know that the vast majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters and bring criminals to justice,” he said.
“I would urge anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. You will be heard and given the support you need.”
A source close to the investigation told the BBC: “It feels like this could be Police Scotland’s Wayne Couzens moment.”
Wayne Couzens was a serving Metropolitan Police officer who raped and murdered Sarah Everard while off duty.
Lady Elish Angiolini, who chaired the Couzens inquiry last year, warned that police forces in England and Wales were still not preventing men with criminal convictions or warnings for sexual offenses from applying to take part.
