Police Scotland has confirmed that as many as 50 serving officers are currently suspended pending investigations into allegations of violence against women and girls. Chief Constable Jo Farrell announced the figures while addressing a recent wave of cases involving former officers convicted of serious sexual offenses.
Farrell stated she anticipates further disciplinary sanctions as more allegations emerge. She emphasized that a comprehensive review into the handling of the Alan Greer case is already underway. Greer, who was exposed as a serial rapist prior to taking his own life in May at age 47, managed to pass vetting checks in 2009 despite having two prior reports of criminal behavior against women on record.
The chief constable noted that the investigation into Greer’s conduct will examine whether gaps in the vetting process allowed his offending to continue unchecked. She highlighted that colleagues across the United Kingdom are assisting in the independent review to identify any missed opportunities for earlier intervention.
Greer is one of several former officers brought to justice this year. In July, Cameron Ross, 39, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping two women and attempting to murder another over a decade. Ross has since launched an appeal against his conviction and sentence. Additionally, former sergeant Campbell Petrie, 50, was convicted last month of multiple sex attacks spanning from 2006 to 2023. He had been suspended in December 2023 but retired from the force two years later.
Farrell also addressed broader reforms to the force’s vetting procedures, which were tightened following the murder of Sarah Everard by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens. She revealed that between 300 and 400 officers have now undergone re-vetting under the new rules. Approximately 8,000 officers remain to be re-evaluated.
“It’s only now during this year there has been a change in the vetting regime. So for the first time, if an officer fails their vetting, they can be exited from policing,” Farrell explained, describing the change as a significant improvement. She added that prior to these regulatory changes, there were no effective mechanisms to remove unsuitable personnel from the organization.
Reaffirming her commitment to accountability, Farrell stated that her primary focus remains identifying criminality and wrongdoing, particularly regarding violence against women. She assured the public that those found guilty would face the full force of the law.
Finally, some accountability after the Greer and Ross cases. But re-vetting thousands more will take years. We need immediate, transparent action now.
It is deeply concerning that such a high number remain suspended simultaneously. How many others might still be serving while these investigations drag on?
Fifty officers? This is absolutely horrifying. The vetting system must have been fundamentally broken for this many people to slip through the cracks.