Full Breakdown
Police Scotland Suspends Up to 50 Officers Over Allegations of Violence Against Women and Girls
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Recent Vetting Reforms
Police Scotland is undertaking a large-scale review of its workforce following a series of high-profile abuse cases. New regulations introduced earlier this year require a comprehensive re-vetting of all serving officers. Approximately 8,000 officers remain to be re-vetted, a process that began after the murder of Sarah Everard prompted similar reforms in other UK forces. To date, between 300 and 400 officers have been revetted under the new rules.
Scope of the Investigations
Chief Constable Jo Farrell has confirmed that up to 50 serving officers are currently suspended while investigations into alleged violence against women and girls proceed. The investigations cover a range of offences, including assault, driving violations and fraud. The longest-running inquiry relates to a complaint made in 2020, with the officer’s suspension commencing in November 2020. The cases are at various stages, and all suspended officers remain on full pay pending outcomes.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Constable Farrell emphasized a focus on identifying wrongdoing and ensuring accountability within the force. She noted that a review into the handling of former officer Alan Greer—exposed as a serial rapist after his death—has been launched. Greer, who joined the then-Strathclyde Police in 2009 despite prior reports of criminal behaviour against women, is one of three former police officers identified as rapists in 2026. The other two are Cameron Ross, sentenced to ten years for rape and threats on the Isle of Lewis, and former sergeant Campbell Petrie, convicted of multiple sexual offences in Glasgow.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Glasgow. Ms Farrell, chief
Data Summary
- Suspended officers: up to 50 (Chief Constable Jo Farrell)
- Officers pending re-vetting: about 8,000 (Chief Constable Jo Farrell)
- Officers already revetted: 300–400 (Police Scotland reform data)
- Historical cases cited: Alan Greer, Cameron Ross, Campbell Petrie (all identified as rapists in 2026)
These actions represent a concerted effort by Police Scotland to address an “epidemic” of violence against women and girls within its ranks, as described by the chief constable.