Understand
Up to 50 Scottish police officers suspended over alleged crimes against women
Overview
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has revealed that between 40 and 50 serving police officers are currently suspended while being investigated for alleged offences relating to violence against women and girls. The announcement follows a series of high-profile cases involving former officers convicted of sexual offences, leading to an independent review of vetting procedures and ongoing re-vetting of approximately 8,000 officers under new regulations.
Key points
- Between 40 and 50 serving Police Scotland officers are currently suspended amid investigations into violence against women and girls.
- Chief Constable Jo Farrell described the scale of violence against women as an epidemic and expects more accusations to emerge.
- An independent review is underway regarding the case of Alan Greer, a deceased former officer exposed as a serial rapist who had previously passed vetting checks.
- Other recent cases include former officers Cameron Ross and Campbell Petrie, who were both convicted of multiple rapes and sexual offences.
- Police Scotland is currently re-vetting about 8,000 officers following regulatory changes that allow unsuitable personnel to be dismissed from the force.
