Chief of Met Police's volunteer force dismissed after AI software flagged him using work phone to capture 'images of a sexual nature'

Published: 20:25 BST, 9 October 2026 | Updated: 00:52 BST, 10 October 2026

The head of the Met Police's volunteer force has been dismissed after AI software flagged him using his work phone to photograph intimate images of a woman.

An accelerated misconduct hearing on Friday found that, on two occasions in July and August 2025, Special Chief Officer (SCO) James Deller used his police-issued mobile phone to photograph sexual images that had been sent to his personal device.

The images had originally been shared with him via WhatsApp's 'View Once' function. 

Deller then sent both photographs from his work phone to his personal phone before deleting them.

His conduct was identified during Project Galatasaray, a week-long operation that used Palantir software to analyse data already held by the Metropolitan Police and identify potential misconduct.

The case forms part of Operation Artificial, a wider anti-corruption programme launched after the technology generated more than 100 misconduct referrals involving officers and staff.

Deller was among those referred by the system. Before his dismissal, the Special Chief Officer oversaw around 1,200 volunteer officers within the Met's Special Constabulary.

The Metropolitan Police spent £487,000 bringing in the AI system as part of a wider internal standards crackdown.

Commander Pete Stevens said: 'The vast majority of Met officers and staff serve London with dedication and integrity, and they rightly expect robust action against the small minority who abuse their position and undermine public trust.

Special Chief Officer James Deller was among more than 100 officers flagged after controversial monitoring software developed by US tech giant Palantir Technologies was introduced last month

'That is particularly true of those who serve in the Special Constabulary. They are volunteers who selflessly give up their time to keep London safe. They deserve to be led by people who demonstrate the highest standards in all parts of their lives.

'SCO Deller failed to meet that bar. He let himself down but, more importantly, he let the Special Constabulary down. His actions were an abuse of the trust put in him and it is right that he is no longer able to serve in policing.'

Deller will now be added to the College of Policing's barred list and will not be eligible to serve in policing again.

The Met said it is reviewing the future leadership and structure of the Special Constabulary as part of ongoing work to improve professional standards.