Met Police volunteer chief dismissed over intimate images

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:00 · Archive

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

James Deller, Special Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Police's Special Constabulary, has been dismissed after an accelerated misconduct hearing on Friday. Deller oversaw approximately 1,200 volunteer officers within the force.

An investigation using Palantir's Foundry artificial intelligence system found that in July and August 2025, Deller had used his police-issued mobile phone to photograph intimate images of a woman. The images had originally been sent to him via WhatsApp's 'View Once' feature, designed to make images disappear after viewing. He then transferred copies from his work phone to his personal device before deleting them from the work phone.

The misconduct was uncovered during Project Galatasaray, a week-long operation using the AI software to analyse data already held by the Metropolitan Police and identify potential misconduct. The system generated over 100 misconduct referrals involving officers and staff, forming part of a wider anti-corruption programme called Operation Artificial. The Met spent £487,000 on the AI system.

Commander Pete Stevens said the vast majority of Met officers and staff serve London with dedication and integrity, and expect robust action against those who abuse their position and undermine public trust, particularly those in the volunteer Special Constabulary.

How it is being reported

• Chief of Met Police's volunteer force sacked after using work phone to capture 'sexual images'Special Chief Officer James Deller used his police phone to photograph intimate images sent to him using WhatsApp’s ‘view once’ featureEvening Standard · 10 Oct, 06:43
• Chief of Met Police's volunteer force dismissed after AI software flagged him using work phone to capture 'images of a sexual nature'The images had originally been shared with him via WhatsApp's 'View Once' function.Daily Mail · 9 Oct, 20:25

In this story: James Deller · Metropolitan Police · Palantir · London

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