Craig Naylor has been reappointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland for an additional three years.
Mr Naylor will continue to lead HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) in delivering 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.
Mr Naylor was first appointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland on 17 March 2022.
The appointment is made by Royal Warrant, and the post is entirely independent of Government, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
Justice Secretary, Angela Constance, announced Mr Naylor’s reappointment on 7 March 2025.
She said: “The role that HMICS plays in ensuring our 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 manage mental health incidents and a series of joint inspections with Healthcare Improvement Scotland among the significant reviews 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.”
Mr Naylor, who was Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency, has more than 30 years policing experience.
He 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.