Firm but fair, Cryer was an old-fashioned copper. Good-humoured with a wealth of experience of life and an unshakeable moral code, he was respected by all at Sun Hill. With the arrival of new Superintendent Tom Chandler, Cryer became increasingly disillusioned with the new ethos pervading the Met, and accepted medical retirement after being shot by P.C. Dale Smith during a seige (Return of the Hunter).

Cryer was married to Shirley and had two sons. His niece, Roberta, later worked at Sun Hill as the station's reception officer.