Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Police Dismisses Senior Special Constable Over Misuse of Work Phone
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
James Deller, the Special Chief Officer who oversaw the Metropolitan Police’s 1,200 volunteer special constables, was dismissed after an accelerated misconduct hearing found he had used his police-issued phone to copy intimate photographs of a woman. The images, originally sent to his personal device via WhatsApp’s “view once” feature in July and August 2025, were photographed on his work phone, transferred to his personal phone, and then deleted from the police device.
Background & Context
Deller’s conduct was uncovered as part of the Met’s Project Galatasaray, a week-long operation employing lawful business monitoring and the Palantir Foundry system, which uses artificial intelligence to detect corruption and professional misconduct. The AI analysis flagged sexualised images on Deller’s phone, prompting a formal investigation. He had been suspended pending the inquiry in May before the hearing that led to his removal.
Official Statements & Responses
Metropolitan Police Commander Pete Stevens emphasized that the majority of officers serve with dedication and integrity, and that robust action is required against the “small minority” who abuse their positions. He noted that the AI-driven monitoring tools were instrumental in identifying the misconduct. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes later told the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee that officers were not subject to any “additional surveillance in the workplace” despite the use of AI, while acknowledging the reputational risk of employing such “divisive” technology.
Impact & Next Steps
Following his dismissal, Deller will be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, rendering him ineligible for future police service. The case highlights growing reliance on AI tools like Palantir’s Foundry for internal oversight, a practice that has attracted criticism over data privacy and the company’s broader public-sector contracts. Palantir is currently suing London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan after the mayor blocked a £50 million deal with the Met, underscoring the contentious environment surrounding the technology’s deployment in policing.