Craig Naylor has secured another three-year term as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, reinforcing his role in overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing across the country. The decision, announced by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, ensures continuity in the independent scrutiny of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
Extending Oversight and Accountability
Naylor’s leadership at HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) has seen significant assessments of police operations, tackling areas such as road safety enforcement and mental health incident response. His extended tenure means he will continue evaluating police performance, publishing key reports, and advising ministers on law enforcement matters.
The appointment, made by Royal Warrant, ensures complete independence from government and policing bodies. This separation allows for unbiased evaluations, ensuring that officers operate under accountable systems and meet high standards.
A Track Record of Scrutiny and Improvement
Over his initial three years, Naylor led critical reviews that shaped policing policies. Among the key areas of scrutiny:
- Examination of roads policing strategies to improve traffic law enforcement.
- Joint inspections with Healthcare Improvement Scotland on police handling of mental health incidents.
- Evaluations of the effectiveness of various law enforcement processes across Scotland.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance commended Naylor’s impact, emphasizing the importance of rigorous oversight. “Craig’s first three years in post have been hugely productive,” she said. “His work has helped ensure Scottish policing remains accountable and responsive.”
A Veteran in Law Enforcement
Naylor brings over three decades of experience to his role. Before becoming Chief Inspector in 2022, he served as Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency. His career also includes key roles in Police Scotland, such as Divisional Commander for Specialist Service, overseeing firearms, public order, and canine units.
His previous positions with Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency have equipped him with a broad perspective on law enforcement challenges.
Continuing the Mission
Upon his reappointment, Naylor expressed his commitment to further strengthening policing in Scotland. “I feel extremely privileged to lead a dedicated team of talented inspectors and support staff,” he said. “We will continue working together to improve policing across the country.”
With this renewed mandate, Naylor’s tenure is expected to shape the next wave of reforms and assessments, keeping Scottish policing under close and independent scrutiny.
