Special Chief Officer James Deller dismissed from Met Police

Special Chief Officer James Deller, who led the Metropolitan Police's volunteer Special Constabulary, was dismissed on 9 October 2026 after an accelerated misconduct hearing. The decision followed findings that he copied a woman's intimate images from a WhatsApp 'view once' message onto his police-issued work phone in July and August 2025.

The images had been sent to his personal phone using WhatsApp's disappearing message feature. Deller then used his police device to photograph these images before sending copies back to his personal phone, subsequently deleting them from his work device. This conduct was uncovered during Project Galatasaray, an operation utilising advanced technology to investigate professional misconduct within the Met.

Investigation methods

Investigators used lawful business monitoring and Palantir's Foundry system, which employs artificial intelligence, to identify the images and gather evidence. Deller will be placed on the College of Policing's barred list, which prohibits him from taking up any future policing positions.

Commander Pete Stevens stated that the vast majority of Met officers and staff serve with dedication and integrity. He added that robust action is rightly taken against the minority who abuse their position. Stevens highlighted that volunteers in the Special Constabulary, who selflessly give their time to keep London safe, deserve leaders who uphold the highest standards. He concluded that Deller failed to meet this standard, letting himself and the Special Constabulary down, and that his actions constituted an abuse of trust.

Palantir's involvement

Palantir, a US technology company, has been involved in the investigation. The company is currently pursuing legal action against the Mayor of London's office after a proposed £50 million contract with the Met was blocked. The Met's use of AI for misconduct investigations has also raised questions regarding workplace monitoring.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes previously informed the London Assembly's Police and Crime Committee that officers were not subject to additional workplace surveillance. He noted that the force had considered the reputational risks associated with using the technology, which he said had identified "unacceptable, dishonest, corrosive behaviours" among officers.