Police Scotland officer who killed himself was violent rapist who tried to murder women

A Police Scotland officer killed himself after being revealed as a violent rapist who tried to murder women.

The force is investigating complaints of serious sexual offending and attempted murder by PC Alan Greer, who died in May this year.

A significant investigation was launched at the end of 2025 after a complaint was received relating to a non-recent serious sexual assault being carried out by an unidentified officer.

Police Scotland said extensive enquiries were carried out by detectives from the Anti-Corruption Unit to identify the officer and Greer was arrested.

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Further investigations identified a number of victims of serious sexual offending by Greer, who are now being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies.

The 47-year-old was arrested on Friday, April 24, after officers from the Anti-Corruption Unit searched a property in the Wishaw area.

He was released without charge pending further investigation and was suspended from duty at that time with full welfare support in place, Police Scotland said.

A number of electronic devices were seized during the search and enquiries into the contents of those are continuing.

Police Scotland PC Alan Greer, 47, killed himself after being arrested for a series of serious sex crimes including rape. Police Scotland

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, officers were called to the same property where Greer was found deceased.

There were said to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. STV News understands that he killed himself.

The circumstances of the death following police contact are the subject of a Crown Office-directed investigation by the police watchdog PIRC (Police Investigations and Review Commissioner).

’14-year campaign of sexual assault and attempted murder’

Greer’s campaign of sexual assault and attempted murder spanned a period of more than 14 years, according to a BBC Disclosure investigation.

His first known victim was a woman he raped in her home in Glasgow in 2012 after she called the police to report a crime.

According to the report, he returned to the woman’s home alone hours after attending the call and raped her.

She reported the attack by Greer late last year, sparking the investigation.

Detectives, during the course of enquiries, have identified eight more victims, five of whom were sex workers who were attacked while Greer was off duty.

He used hundreds of prostitutes throughout his police career and officers are urging for victims to come forward.

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.

“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.

“Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments and our commitment to safeguarding policing’s integrity has never been stronger.”

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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.

Help and support is available now if you need it.

The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Details of other services and more information can be found on the NHS website here.

You can also speak to Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985 who offer free and tailored support. In an emergency, always dial 999 if within the United Kingdom.