Wishaw cop linked to serious sex attacks named after death

Police Scotland is investigating reports against Alan Greer, 47, who died in May this year.

Greer was arrested on April 24 following a complaint of a non-recent serious sexual assault involving an unidentified officer.

The arrest and investigation have since uncovered a wider pattern of serious sexual offending, and Police Scotland is now appealing for potential victims to come forward.

A property in the Wishaw area was searched by Police Scotland’s Anti-Corruption Unit on April 24, and Greer was released without charge pending further investigation and was suspended from duty at that time with full welfare support in place.

He was found dead at the same address on May 6.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

A Crown-directed investigation into the circumstances of the death following police contact is being carried out by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff, Professionalism and Assurance, said: "My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer’s family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death.

"The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken by the Anti-Corruption Unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible.

"Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances."

Additional victims have now been identified, and specialist officers along with partner agencies are supporting them.

Electronic devices seized during the search are still being examined as part of the ongoing inquiry.

ACC Ratcliff said the investigation is about more than just the criminal case.

She said: "It is essential that members of the public, victims, and witnesses, feel confident speaking with the police and know the overwhelming majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters, and bring offenders to justice.

"I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to and given the support you need.

"In recent years, and advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini's review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues published in 2020, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny."

Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim in this case is asked to please contact the enquiry team.

This can be done via email at OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk, or by telephone.

A dedicated mobile number with text facility has been established – 07484 438 539. A landline for the enquiry team, with voicemail facility, is also available – 0300 426 6644.