One of the most recognisable faces of Manx policing is hanging up his hat after more than 27 years on the beat.

Inspector Derek Flint retired from the force on Friday. He is well known both in the island on a wider scale.

As the head of the force’s media office, he was very much the public face of the Isle of Man Constabulary, whether it was handling inquiries over major incidents or being at the forefront of public relations during the TT.

Retirement has come slightly earlier than usual, due to the need for a bilateral hip replacement operation.

But he does not intend to be inactive for long and is assessing a number of options.

In many ways, the timing is appropriate. He signed off just before the start of this year’s TT, an event with which he has had so much involvement over the years.

He said he would miss that close involvement with the annual festival.

’I have loved every one,’ he said.

That is not to say there were not been difficult times, with the 2007 tragedy at the 26th milestone, when a competitor and two spectators lost their lives, a particularly painful memory.

’The centenary year was special. That was a challenging year on so many levels, from the successes through to what happened at the 26th Milestone. It was a year of very mixed emotions.’

But, he said, policing the TT over the past 19 years had been a ’huge privilege’.

Derek’s career did not begin in the Isle of Man. He joined the Lancashire Constabulary in 1990 and worked in the western division, an area that includes Lytham and Blackpool. The latter, he said, was some preparation for what it was like in the Isle of Man during the TT - although the festival was always a much more intense experience.

In 1998, he transferred to the Isle of Man. At one stage, he headed up the northern division and was also in charge of the roads policing unit before he took on the media role.

He was instrumental in the force beginning to recognise the value of social media.

’We set up a test page in 2009 up north and that went well,’ he said. ’Then I transferred to headquarters and I pitched it and we got on social media in a more general form.

’To be honest, it has been a huge success. The public can interact with us. It helps us to reach more people.’

It is certainly helpful in keeping the public informed during ongoing incidents and, when there is a missing, vulnerable person, the interaction on the likes of Facebook and Twitter has undoubtedly assisted in searches.

’The public are the police and the police are the public,’ said Derek, aged 49. ’We are working together to get the right outcomes.’

On the whole, the Isle of Man is accepted to be a safe place. But when there is a spate of crime, as in the series of burglaries at the start of 2015, that usual feeling of safety only serves to magnify the sudden sense of vulnerability.

’It is a safe island, but anything out of there ordinary becomes extraordinary and impacts upon public confidence,’ he said.

’It is a big deal if you are a victim.’

During his career, he said, one of the most welcome developments in policing had been the standardisation of professional practices, an acknowledgement of what works and what does not, especially in areas such as armed policing.

Our interview took place on the morning before the atrocity in Manchester, but his comments still apply.

’With armed police work, there is one way of doing it and that is the right way,’ he said. ’If we try to step outside there for whatever reason, we have to be held to account.’

A recurring theme for discussion over the years is the behaviour of young people. You can guarantee that there will be a headline every few months that relates to misbehaviour and the issue is raised about why youngsters are not as well behaved as they were previously.

But Derek argued that such a perception of young people is wrong.

’I think they are a lot better,’ he insisted. ’Even when I have been off-duty and I have challenged young people over standards of behaviour, on the whole they have taken the message, they have been respectful in their response and you can almost see them reflecting.

’I think, especially in the island, on the whole we have really, really good young people.

’There is some massive talent out there, across sport, music and anything you care to mention. There are kids out there that are tremendous at what they do. Even those who do not have an exceptional talent, they are willing to have a go at anything.’

Derek and his wife Jacqui have two children. Ryan is now teaching English in Japan while Beckii, who first made her name in the international music scene as Beckii Cruel, now works in PR and has an online presence as an ’influencer’.

It was his daughter’s involvement in music that saw Derek, 49, dip his toe into the music promotion world. There are some acts in the Isle of Man he is keen to help.

Derek has retired at a time when major social issues are at the forefront of debate. One such debate, on the possible decriminalisation of certain drugs, was overdue, he said.

Road safety would always be an issue and there was discussion to be had, including whether there should be a national speed limit.

’There is a grown-up debate to be had about speed limits and where they fall into the national road safety strategy.’

There have been many things that Derek has witnessed and thousands of people that he has met - during our own meeting, several people came up to say hello - so, when asked what had inspired him the most, he took a moment to think but is unequivocal when he replies.

’The mums and dads who have lost children,’ he said.

He often found himself speaking to families in the aftermath of tragedy. Several have gone on to support campaigns to, for instance, encourage road safety.

’I am in awe of those people and humbled to have spent time with them.’

Having to deal with tragedy has always been part of the job in policing, but it does not make it easy.

’You manage it, you don’t cope with it,’ he said. ’You do your job. You try to do it as professionally as you can.’