Police Officer Convicted of Sex Crimes Promoted After Earlier Assault Allegation
A Scottish police officer accused of assault in 2009, an allegation he denied, was promoted and later convicted of nine sex offenses.
Campbell Petrie, 50, a Scottish police officer, was promoted after an arrest in 2009 for allegedly attacking a woman, according to a report. Prosecutors were not involved in the 2009 investigation, and no criminal report was sent to the Crown Office, despite the woman's claim that Petrie put his hands around her throat. Petrie denied this claim at the time. He retired in 2025, ahead of his conviction for nine charges involving physical and sexual abuse of two women between 2006 and 2022. He was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Police Scotland stated that an absence of sufficient evidence in 2009 would explain why no report was sent to the Crown Office. However, the Crown Office has indicated it works with police on investigations and assesses whether further inquiries are necessary before making decisions. Petrie carried out sex crimes over approximately 16 years and was promoted to sergeant during this period. Officials are attempting to reclaim Petrie's pension, including an estimated £150,000 lump sum, but regulations may limit their ability to do so, particularly if the crimes were not committed while on duty. This case follows criticism of Police Scotland's vetting standards after the earlier case of another officer, Alan Greer, who died by suicide in May. The Mail has reported that vetting records for over 22,000 police officers and civilian staff are being reviewed amid concerns about predatory behavior within the ranks.