He has a reputation for being a 'hard-ass'.
a 'hard-assed' cop/journalist
(..) I don't know. It's none of my business. You give me the stuff, I hold it. - That's all I know. - You know I'm trying to help you out here... but if you're gonna be a hard-ass about it... I gotta disturb him. When he's into his music, he hates being disturbed. I'm telling you the truth. (..)1994 Léon: The Professional