A former detective inspector with Bedfordshire Police has been formally condemned for gross misconduct after a disciplinary panel concluded he harassed multiple women online and misused his authority to gain their trust.

DI Andy Southam, who joined the force in 1997, retired just days before the misconduct hearing. Despite this, the panel ruled that he would have been dismissed had he remained in service.

The allegations, involving nine women he met via a Christian dating site, spanned from 2015 to June 2022. Southam admitted to misconduct involving seven of the women, leading the panel to drop further investigation into the remaining two.

“Intimidating and Inappropriate” Behaviour

Southam was accused of misrepresenting his rank, making sexualised comments, and continuing contact after being asked to stop. One woman ended their relationship in 2016 citing controlling behaviour, yet he sporadically contacted her for another six years.

Another victim reported asking Southam to stop messaging her in July 2021. When he persisted, she reported him to police and he was arrested on suspicion of harassment in September 2021.

Senior Officers Condemn Actions

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.

He added that Southam’s decision to retire before the hearing was cynical, but the case was still pursued to ensure his placement on the policing barred list, preventing future employment in law enforcement.

Victims Encouraged to Come Forward

Bedfordshire Police urges anyone affected by DI Southam’s actions or similar misconduct to report it via 101, or 999 in emergencies. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers. Additional support links are available via the police website.