Scotland’s chief inspector of constabulary has urged police to accelerate the rollout of live facial recognition, artificial intelligence and drones. In the HMICS Annual Report 2025-26, Craig Naylor said adopting these technologies with proper safeguards will shift policing towards preventative, intelligence-led work. He argued that innovation can cut administrative tasks, boost productivity and help tackle organised crime, violent offenders and high-risk sex offenders. Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs backed the call, saying new technologies offer transformative opportunities if deployed with ethical oversight and public trust.

Background: Facial Recognition in Policing

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