Former senior police officer barred from policing after sending unsolicited texts and photos to female colleague

A now-retired senior police officer would have been sacked for sending unsolicited texts and photos to a female officer over an eight-month period.

A misconduct hearing at Force Headquarters on Monday 1 December 2025 ruled former GMP Chief Superintendent Robert Cousen would have been dismissed had he still been serving.

The former officer obtained the personal phone number of the female officer and sent her text messages, seeking to meet up with her outside of working hours.

Mr Cousen sent unsolicited photographs to her between February and May 2022.

Former Chief Constable Debbie Tedds, an independent chair who presided over the hearing, found the behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and had breached the standards of Integrity, Equality and Diversity, as well as Authority, Respect and Courtesy.

Cousen, who was the District Commander of our City of Manchester District was suspended from duty and referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in October 2022.

The IOPC conducted an independent investigation which initially reported back to us in October 2023 before a second investigation began in May 2024 and concluded in September 2024, re-starting proceedings.

He tendered his notice of early retirement on Friday 24 October 2025 and took early retirement from the Force on Sunday 30 November 2025.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “Rob Cousen’s actions were totally out of order and it is right that this process has resulted in the end of his policing career.

“Frankly, this behaviour is far from the standard expected of any GMP officer, but particularly one who holds a rank where strong and professional leadership is the most fundamental requirement. Leadership without the best in quality, standards and behaviour is not leadership fit for the GMP of today.

“I want to pay tribute to the female officer for having the courage to come forward and report this.

“I echo the IOPC’s frustration of the time it has taken to reach this conclusion especially in respect of Mr Cousens choosing to deny the allegations for two years following their investigation, only to admit what he had done at the last moment.”

Ms Tedds also ordered Chief Superintendent Cousen’s name to be added to the College of Policing Barred List.