Alan Greer Passed 2009 Police Vetting Despite 2 Prior Reports Against Women
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 28
Alan Greer Passed 2009 Police Vetting Despite 2 Prior Reports Against Women
2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 28
Summary
Police Scotland confirmed Strathclyde vetting staff knew of Alan Greer’s 2005 police caution when they accepted him into the force in 2009, despite another 2002 report over inappropriate calls to a woman.
BBC Disclosure said the finding undercuts earlier police claims that there had been no missed opportunities to identify Greer sooner; Police Scotland later said those comments referred only to his conduct during his 17-year career.
Craig Naylor, who led a 2023 vetting review, said Greer should never have been recruited and called his admission a missed opportunity; a 2006 Strathclyde handbook said applicants with cautions affecting integrity should not be hired.
Greer died in May, days after a raid on his home, while under investigation for serious sexual offences dating back to 2012. Police Scotland has identified 15 victims but fears the true total is far higher.
The case also spotlights wider vetting failures: Greer was among about 8,800 officers and staff still not re-vetted after the 2013 merger, and an external review will now examine his 2009 recruitment.