Up to 53 serving officers in Police Scotland are currently suspended over allegations of violence against women and girls, according to the force's chief constable Jo Farrell. She indicated that additional officers are expected to face disciplinary action following a series of convictions of former officers for sexual offences.
Farrell confirmed that a review into the handling of former officer Alan Greer—exposed as a serial rapist who took his own life—is underway. She also noted that approximately 8,000 officers remain to be reassessed for their roles following regulatory changes introduced earlier this year.
An investigation by a national broadcaster revealed Greer as a violent rapist who assaulted and attempted to murder women across a 14-year span. Subsequent inquiries established that Greer had successfully passed vetting checks when joining what was then Strathclyde Police in 2009, despite two prior reports of criminal behaviour against women being on file. Police Scotland confirmed that Strathclyde Police's vetting unit was aware of a 2005 police caution when Greer applied to join in 2009.
How many officers face investigation?
According to reporting on the matter, 53 officers are suspended while facing criminal investigations. Of these, 37 are accused of offences relating to violence against women, including domestic abuse, sexual offences and stalking. The breakdown shows 26 officers facing investigations into domestic-abuse-related offences, nine into sexual offences and two into stalking. All suspended officers remain on full pay, with the longest-running investigation originating from a complaint filed in 2020.
Data released by Police Scotland through freedom of information requests previously indicated 63 members of staff were suspended due to ongoing criminal investigations, comprising 45 constables, six sergeants and two inspectors, though the specific nature of individual cases was not disclosed.
What changes have been made to vetting procedures?
Farrell stated that between 300 and 400 officers have now undergone reassessment under new vetting rules introduced following the murder of Sarah Everard by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens. These updated procedures make it simpler to remove officers deemed unsuitable for service.
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. So that is a very recent change, and a welcome change from my point of view. Up until that point there were no opportunities to exit people from the organisation.
The Police Service of Scotland (Vetting) Regulations 2026 require constables' vetting to be reassessed at intervals of no more than 10 years and allow vetting to be withdrawn. An officer whose clearance is withdrawn must be dismissed from the force.
A 2023 review by the national inspectorate identified significant gaps in vetting procedures, including the failure to reassess legacy staff following the 2013 force merger. That review made 15 recommendations, of which 11 have since been completed.
What is the status of the Alan Greer review?
The Scottish Police Authority confirmed that the independent review into former officer Alan Greer is being conducted by the National Police Chiefs' Council with Humberside Police. The inquiry will examine Greer's service record and identify lessons or opportunities for earlier identification and intervention.
Farrell emphasised her commitment to addressing misconduct:
My focus is on identifying where there is wrongdoing, criminality, particularly in relation to violence against women and girls and if that has been committed by our officers and our staff, that we identify it and we ensure that those people feel the full force of the law.
What happens next?
The Scottish Police Authority said it will seek updates on the Greer review's findings as they become available. The review's terms of reference call for independent scrutiny of his service and the circumstances relevant to earlier intervention opportunities.
Key Facts
- 53 officers are suspended while facing criminal investigations, with 37 accused of offences relating to violence against women
- New vetting regulations introduced in 2026 allow officers to be dismissed if their clearance is withdrawn, a power that did not previously exist
- Between 300 and 400 officers have been reassessed under the updated vetting regime, with approximately 8,000 still to undergo reassessment
- An independent review into former officer Alan Greer's service is underway, examining circumstances that might have enabled earlier intervention
