Forty five Scottish police officers suspended over alleged crimes against women
2 hours ago
Louise Hosie and James Delaney (BBC Scotland)
Jo Farrell said she expected more accusations of violence towards women by serving police officers would come to light.
Police Scotland has stated that 45 serving officers are currently suspended over allegations of violence against women and girls.
Farrell mentioned a review into the case surrounding officer Alan Greer, who was revealed as a serial rapist after taking his own life, is underway. She also noted that approximately 8,000 remaining staff members need to be "re-vetted" for their roles post-regulatory changes this year.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his "full confidence" in Police Scotland and the renewed vetting process.
In an interview with BBC Scotland News, Farrell described the prevalence of violence against women and girls in Scotland as an "epidemic", stating that police forces are not immune to this issue. She disclosed:
"We've got in the order of between currently 40 and 50 people currently suspended, so not at work, who are being investigated for offences that relate to violence against women and girls."
Police Scotland later clarified: 45 officers are under suspension over allegations of violence against women and girls. Not all are involved in a criminal investigation.
A BBC Disclosure investigation in July revealed Greer's repeated attacks and attempted murders of women over a 14-year period. Further inquiries uncovered that Greer passed vetting checks to join Strathclyde Police in 2009 despite having prior reports of criminal behavior against women on his record. Greer took his own life in May at the age of 47.
Farrell discussed a review into Greer's case, parts of which will be made public, aiming to determine if gaps in the vetting process contributed to his ongoing offending. She emphasized: "What is important is that we get that independent review...to identify any learning from that."