Chief Inspector of Constabulary reappointed

Craig Naylor has been reappointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland for an additional three years.

Mr Naylor, who first took up the role in 2022, will continue to lead HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) to deliver a programme of independent inspection, monitoring and evaluation of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.

He will also be a source of professional independent advice on police matters, publish reports of inspections and produce an annual report to Ministers on the police service in Scotland.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

“The role that HMICS plays in ensuring Scotland’s police officers and staff continue to perform their duties to a high standard, and that their systems and processes are accountable, is absolutely key to Scottish policing.

“Craig’s first three years in post have been hugely productive, with scrutiny of roads policing, how Police Scotland manages mental health incidents and a series of joint inspections with Healthcare Improvement Scotland among the significant reviews undertaken and published.

“I am very pleased that Craig is remaining in post for another three years and look forward to the next HMICS scrutiny plan and continued constructive working to help maintain the high standard of policing in Scotland.”

Mr Naylor said:

“Over the last three years I have been honoured to serve as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland and I am delighted to have been reappointed for another three years.

“I feel extremely privileged to lead a dedicated team of very talented inspectors and support staff, working together to help improve policing across Scotland, and look forward to continuing this important role.”

Background

Craig Naylor was first appointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland on 17 March 2022, having been Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency. He has more than 30 years policing experience and previously served with Police Scotland, where he held the role of Divisional Commander for Specialist Service and was responsible for firearms, public order, search and dogs. Prior to that, he worked in a number of roles across the former Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.

The appointment is made by Royal Warrant and the post is entirely independent of Government, police and the Scottish Police Authority.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland is an independent scrutiny body, which has been in existence since the nineteenth century. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland is the senior professional police adviser to Scottish Ministers. The statutory duties of HMICS are set out in Chapter 11 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2102. For more information on HMICS please go to www.hmics.scot. 

HMICS have also confirmed that Mark Hargreaves will be vacating the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary post as he retires from Police Scotland. Brian McInulty, currently a Lead Inspector with HMICS, will take on this role on a temporary basis until a new appointment is made.