Craig was an accomplished senior police officer who dedicated over 28 years of service to Policing in Scotland, retiring in March 2025 at the rank of Superintendent and Head of Specialist Operations. 

Throughout his career, Craig specialised in the leadership and operational command of national specialist policing capabilities, consistently delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges while fostering resilience, integrity, and public trust.

He has held posts as the Operations Superintendent responsible for front line policing within the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division and Greater Glasgow Division.

As Head of Specialist Operations, Craig provided oversight and operational command for a diverse portfolio of national units, each requiring specialist expertise and coordination which included:

·       National Dog Unit – Craig was responsible for the operational effectiveness of all canine specialisms throughout Scotland. He championed canine welfare and training standards while promoting the use of dogs to support frontline policing. Notably, Craig oversaw the introduction of Digital Evidence Detection Dogs, a pioneering capability that enhanced the fight against serious and organised crime groups and strengthened counter-terrorism operations.

·       Public Order – Recognised as a subject matter expert, Craig was the lead for national resilience, training, and operational command for public order policing. He ensured demonstrations, sporting events, and major incidents were managed lawfully and proportionately, mentoring other UK forces and representing Scotland internationally.

·       Dive and Marine Unit – He directed underwater and maritime operations for search and rescue, evidence recovery, and counterterrorism, building strong partnerships with coastguards and maritime agencies.

·       CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) – Craig enhanced national preparedness by directing specialist CBRN capabilities, contingency planning, and training exercises to strengthen resilience against major threats.

·       Air Support – Craig oversaw the deployment of helicopters and drones in support of operational policing and major events. He led the creation of a 10‑year national air support strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and innovation. He also oversaw the introduction of the UK’s first internal police drone pilot training programme approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, embedding aviation technology into mainstream policing.

·       Mounted Unit – He managed mounted policing operations for public order, ceremonial duties, reassurance patrols, and community engagement, ensuring resilience and equine welfare.

·       Mountain Rescue – Craig led the national response to search and rescue operations in hazardous environments, working collaboratively with voluntary rescue organisations, emergency services and the Scottish Government.

·       Search – He directed national search strategies for high-risk missing persons and major crime investigations.

·       National Negotiators Unit - He oversaw the National Negotiators Unit, delivering training internationally and building trust within communities and protest groups throughout the UK. 

 Craig’s leadership extends beyond operational command. He developed national policies, standardised training, and orchestrated multi-agency exercises, strengthening partnerships with emergency services, local authorities, the military, and international law enforcement. He managed multi-million-pound budgets, represented Police Scotland at government briefings, and mentored future leaders, embedding a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth.

Craig served as the Public Order Tactical Commander for numerous high-profile operations and critical incidents, including COP26 in Glasgow where he was responsible for the venue, the Scottish element of thefuneral of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and the visit of President Trump. 

He has commanded operations at major European football fixtures and represented Scotland internationally, supporting the United Nations in Colombia and advising German police during the 2024 European Championships where he was head of the Police Scotland delegation deployed throughout the tournament.  His leadership contributed to Scotland’s reputation for professionalism with the Scotland supporters beingrecognised as among the best behaved in Europe.

Craig has held qualifications as Public Order Gold, Silver, and Bronze Commander, Event and Football Match Commander, and Tactical Firearms Commander. His expertise spans operational planning, crisis management, multi-agency coordination, policy development, resource allocation, staff mentoring, technological innovation, and performance management. He has also served as an assessor at misconduct hearings and chair of promotion panels, reinforcing professional standards across policing.