Special Constabulary Chief Fired After AI Uncovers Misconduct

James Deller, the head of the Metropolitan Police's Special Constabulary, has been dismissed from his role after Palantir's artificial intelligence technology identified misconduct. Deller used his work phone to copy intimate images of a woman that had been sent to his personal device. The misconduct hearing took place on Friday.

Discovery of Misconduct

Investigators found that in July and August 2025, Deller used his police-issued phone to take photos of two intimate images. These images had been sent to his personal phone via WhatsApp's 'view once' feature, which normally makes them disappear after opening. Deller then sent the copied images to his personal device before deleting them from his work phone. Commander Pete Stevens stated that Deller's actions were an abuse of trust and that he is no longer able to serve in policing.

Project Galatasaray and AI Monitoring

The misconduct was uncovered during Project Galatasaray, a week-long operation that employed AI technology to identify corruption and professional misconduct within the Metropolitan Police. Commander Stevens added that the vast majority of Met officers and staff serve with dedication and integrity, and that those who abuse their position undermine public trust. He specifically noted that volunteers in the Special Constabulary, who give up their time to keep London safe, deserve leaders who demonstrate the highest standards.

Future Barring and Technology Use

Deller will be added to the College of Policing's barred list, which means he will be prevented from serving in any policing capacity in the future. In April, the Metropolitan Police Federation advised officers to be cautious with Met-issued devices off duty following an upgrade to the force's Lawful Business Monitoring software. The federation's general secretary, Matt Cane, noted that staff were not informed of the upgrade's inclusion of Palantir's AI technology, suggesting its first deployment for monitoring Met systems.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes told the London Assembly's Police and Crime Committee in May that officers were not subject to additional workplace surveillance due to the AI's use in rooting out misconduct. He acknowledged the reputational risks of using the 'divisive' technology but stated it helped identify 'unacceptable, dishonest, corrosive behaviours'.

Palantir Contract Dispute

Separately, the London Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac) blocked the Met from entering a two-year contract with Palantir for AI technology in criminal investigations. Mopac cited the force's failure to outline its procurement strategy as a 'clear and serious breach' of procedure. Palantir is now suing Mopac, alleging the deal was unlawfully blocked due to considerations of the company's 'values and ethics', which Palantir argues were irrelevant.