“A man called up and said very casually ‘I think I’ve just murdered my wife’,” Ms Archer said.

Police arrived to find the man had stabbed his wife, who later died.

Ms Archer retired last month after 27 years, the last 12 years working at the front counter.

“No one comes to the police station unless they’ve got a grizzle or gripe, we’re not dealing with happy people,” she said.

“You try and sympathise with them and help them out the best you can.”

Another long-serving administration officer, Shirley Green, retired late last year.

Supt Elizabeth Stirton said Miss Green and Ms Archer had played a critical role in the running of Albury local area command.

“They’ve made a lifetime commitment to the job here supporting us and we’re very grateful for that,” she said.