Metropolitan Police dismisses special constabulary chief after illicit phone images scandal

Special Chief Officer James Deller, head of the Metropolitan Police’s volunteer Special Constabulary, was sacked after an internal probe using Palantir’s Foundry AI platform identified that he used his police-issued phone to capture and forward intimate images of a woman sent through WhatsApp’s “view once” feature in July and August 2025. He copied the pictures to his personal phone before erasing them from the work device.

An accelerated misconduct hearing on Friday resulted in his removal and his addition to the College of Policing’s barred list, barring future police service. The investigation was part of a week-long operation targeting professional misconduct and corruption within the Met, raising questions about the use of AI surveillance in policing. Palantir, which also supplies the NHS and Ministry of Defence, faces political scrutiny, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham under pressure to end government contracts with the firm.

Former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson warned against “mob rule” in procurement practices. Commander Pete Stevens emphasized that the majority of officers serve with integrity and that leaders must uphold the highest standards.