A former Bedfordshire Police detective who pursued women online despite being repeatedly asked to stop would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not retired before his disciplinary hearing.
Detective inspector Andy Southam faced allegations relating to his conduct towards nine women he met on dating sites, including making inappropriate comments and continuing contact after being blocked on social media.
At the start of a two-week misconduct hearing last month, Southam admitted discreditable conduct relating to seven of the women.
He denied breaching standards for integrity, authority, respect, and courtesy, though a panel later ruled that his actions amounted to gross misconduct.
The hearing was told Southam described himself as a “high-ranking” officer to the women, behaviour the panel found was intended to impress or pressure them.
The panel also heard that he continued to contact some women through alternative channels after they blocked him.
The panel decided not to proceed with the remaining allegations, citing the seriousness of the admissions already made and to avoid causing further distress to those involved.
Unwelcome behaviour
In a statement following the outcome, Bedfordshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic said: “This was a pattern of behaviours which was unwelcome, inappropriate and, at times, intimidating.
“His continued unwanted pursuance of females who had asked to be left alone will no doubt further erode the trust women and girls have in policing.
“As a police officer in a leadership position and with training in domestic abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour, Andy Southam’s behaviour was in clear breach of the standards we expect.”
He added that Southam’s last-minute retirement placed additional pressure on both the complainants and the public purse.
“Despite Mr Southam’s cynical retirement immediately before the hearing, it is right that we pursued this matter to its conclusion, as this will ensure he is now barred from re-joining any police force,” he said.
The former officer is now placed on the College of Policing Barred List.
