IT'S probably fair to say Martin Metcalfe is going to miss his job.

"I absolutely love the uncertainty and excitement of front-line policing," the York police inspector said, speaking ahead of his final shift tonight which will bring to an end 25 years in the force. "I get a buzz from arriving at an incident when you simply have no idea what will occur."

Apart from a brief spell in Harrogate, Insp Metcalfe has spent most of his career in York - including the last five years as a critical incident inspector in the city.

"He is highly thought of by business owners, members of the public, his colleagues and even some of the criminals!" joked a police colleague. "Martin has a 'legendary' reputation, particularly in the City of York."

That was underlined by an anonymous comment posted on The Press website today.

"To be fair to the guy, I've been nicked a few times by him and been a right pain to him," the commenter said. "He's very firm but always fair. Better for knowing and will be missed as even I felt safer when he was around. Fair play to him!"

Martin joined North Yorkshire Police in 1991 as a Special Constable and served for five years before joining as a regular officer in October 1996.

He was posted within the city walls of York as a response officer. His drive and ambition for the job secured him promotion to Sergeant and under protest he even did a brief spell as custody Sergeant.

Martin was once again promoted to Inspector and has more recently taken on the role as a Critical Incident Inspector for the York and Selby command.

He admits that York, where he has spent most of his career, is a 'very special' place for him.

He's a well-known face in the city. "His network of contacts, knowledge of back alleyways and his ability to be in the right place at the right time has meant he has taken hundreds of criminals off the city’s streets over the years," a colleague said.

"His love, passion, and enthusiasm for the city of York is quite extraordinary."

Martin plans to start his retirement by taking some time off to follow his beloved Portsmouth Football Club - and find some new hobbies.

To mark his impending retirement, he answered a few questions...

York Press:

Crimefighter: inspector Metcalfe on patrol in York

What has made you jump out of bed in the morning over the past 25 years?

"I absolutely love the uncertainty and excitement of front-line policing. I love dealing with incidents that are fast moving and I get a buzz from arriving at an incident when you simply have no idea what will occur. I know that sounds a bit crazy, but it is something I really enjoy. Making quick timely decisions under pressure is awesome!"

How has the city of York changed over the past 25 years from a policing point of view?

"York has changed immensely over the last 25 years. I remember going out on patrol for the first time as a Special Constable having just a wooden truncheon and handcuffs as my personal equipment. Now I carry PAVa spray, a radio, baton, taser, limb restraints and handcuffs amongst other things! There seemed to be more mass brawls years ago than now. Of course, back then we didn’t have the luxury of modern technology like we do now. The advance of CCTV on just about every street corner in the city as well as working closely with our partners makes York a safer place for everyone (including police officers)."

York Press:

Inspector Metcalfe at the Minster

Is there anything that you haven’t seen whilst policing York?

"To be honest, there is nothing I haven’t seen. I have been inside number 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister, arrested celebrities and even arrested a Storm Trooper, Superman and Mickey Mouse!!"

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about joining the police?

DO IT!! It is the most amazing, satisfying job in the world in my opinion. However, it is not for everyone. I know people that joined and left within months as it was not for them and respect to them for making that decision. I also know a lot more that love it and enjoy it. Policing has changed a lot, but you can still make that huge difference to a person’s life. I genuinely believe it is a huge privilege being a police officer and it certainly has felt that way for me."

You must have worked with a lot of people within North Yorkshire Police over the years, what do you want to say to them?

I would like to say a huge thank you to every person working within the North Yorkshire Police organisation, no matter what department you work in. You are all doing an amazing job and continue to make a huge difference to people’s lives. I have met some amazing people during my career and please be aware your career will fly by. Try to enjoy it, as I strongly believe it is what you make it and please do look after yourselves and your colleagues.