politics
Serial rapist police officer passed vetting despite warnings
A police officer later exposed as a violent serial rapist was accepted into the force despite two prior reports of criminal behaviour against women on his record, a BBC Disclosure investigation has revealed. Alan Greer joined Strathclyde Police in 2009, even though vetting staff knew of a formal police caution issued by the Metropolitan Police in 2005 for making inappropriate phone calls to a woman in London.
TL;DR
- Alan Greer, a police officer who committed serial rapes, was hired by Strathclyde Police in 2009.
- Vetting staff were aware of a 2005 police caution for inappropriate phone calls and a 2002 investigation for similar behavior.
- Strathclyde's own procedures at the time stated that individuals with cautions or convictions questioning integrity should not be recruited.
- A 2023 review found Greer should never have been allowed to join the force, calling it a missed opportunity.
- Thousands of legacy officers were not re-vetted after the 2013 force merger, including Greer.
- Police Scotland stated that Greer's application would not progress under current vetting arrangements.