A former police inspector has been found to have a case to answer for sexually inappropriate conduct matters in the workplace.

Andy Grand, a former inspector with Surrey Police, was suspended immediately after the reports were made in May 2017, the force said.

The 52-year-old was found to have a case to answer for conduct including touching women on their bottom, engaging in sexual activity with a woman while on duty, and taking part in inappropriate online messaging with another.

Surrey Police said Mr Grand would have been dismissed if he had still been in service.

This is one of the first hearings to take place since national policy was changed in December 2017 which means misconduct hearings will still take place if an officer leaves a force.

Deputy Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “We expect extremely high standards of behaviour from our officers and staff, which former Inspector Andy Grand fell woefully below.

“I would like to reassure the public that these matters, reported directly to our Professional Standards Department, were dealt with robustly and quickly.

“I want to further reassure our communities that his actions are not indicative of policing, or the high standards we expect at Surrey Police and sadly detract from the dedication our workforce show day in and day out in serving the public.

“There is global movement addressing inappropriate behaviour in workplaces at present, following revelations around a number of individuals, organisations and professions and quite rightly policing is no different.

“I hope the public is reassured by our desire to investigate these matters, be open about our processes and deal with them robustly.

“We hope the outcome of this hearing enforces that. Behaviour such as this weighs heavily on our officers and staff who are also let down by this behaviour.”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “The public rightly deserve and expect the highest standards of behaviour from Surrey Police officers and staff which the vast majority display on a daily basis.

“Sadly this individual has let his colleagues down with this disgraceful and completely unacceptable course of conduct which tarnishes their good name.”

The force said the decision is subject to an appeal period of seven working days.