A high-ranking police commander has been permanently barred from the service after sending unsolicited photographs of his penis to a junior female colleague.
Senior Officer's Inappropriate Conduct
Rob Cousen, the former Commander of Greater Manchester Police's Tameside division, sent the explicit images alongside pictures of his face to a female Police Constable. The incidents occurred between February and May 2022 after Cousen obtained her personal phone number. The senior officer, who earned approximately £100,000 per year, also repeatedly asked to meet the victim outside of work.
The courageous officer reported Chief Superintendent Cousen's behaviour. However, he denied the allegations for two years, only admitting to his actions at the final stage of the proceedings.
Disciplinary Hearing and Swift Retirement
A disciplinary panel found clear evidence that the top cop had engaged in this misconduct on multiple occasions. The hearing, held on Monday, concluded that his actions amounted to gross misconduct and that he would have been dismissed from the force.
Cousen avoided immediate dismissal by taking early retirement just ten hours before the hearing's conclusion. Despite this move, former Chief Constable Debbie Tedds ordered that his name be added to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing any future employment in policing.
Condemnation from Police Leadership and Watchdog
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods of Greater Manchester Police stated that Cousen's behaviour was "totally out of order". He emphasised that such conduct was far below the standard expected, especially from an officer in a leadership position where professional behaviour is paramount.
Amanda Rowe, a director at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), said: "As a senior officer, former Cousen knew perfectly well the standards of professional behaviour expected of him. His actions were an abuse of his position, which must have been deeply unpleasant for the officer he targeted, and also seriously risks damaging the public’s confidence in policing."
Rowe further criticised Cousen for prolonging the case with his denials, stating it was "deeply frustrating" that he admitted guilt only at the last moment after two years of denial.
DCC Woods paid tribute to the victim, saying: "I want to pay tribute to the female officer for having the courage to come forward and report this." The case highlights ongoing issues of misconduct and abuse of power within the police force.
