Met Police Chief Fired After AI Uncovers Misuse of Work Phone for Explicit Images

A Metropolitan Police Special Chief Officer has been dismissed after an accelerated misconduct hearing found he used his work phone to copy sexual images of a woman. James Deller, who led the force's Special Constabulary, was stripped of his position on Friday.

SCO Deller was overseeing part-time, voluntary police officers. His actions came to light after monitoring software developed by US tech company Palantir Technologies was implemented in April. Investigators discovered that in July and August 2025, Deller used his police-issued device to photograph intimate images of a woman that had been sent to his personal phone. The original images were reportedly sent via WhatsApp's 'view once' feature, which is designed to make them disappear after being opened. Deller then allegedly copied these images to his personal device before deleting them from his work phone.

As a result of the misconduct hearing, SCO Deller will be added to the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from serving in policing again. The matter has not been treated as a criminal investigation.

Commander Pete Stevens stated that the vast majority of Met officers and staff serve with dedication and integrity, and that swift action is taken against those who abuse their position. He added that Deller failed to meet the high standards expected, particularly of those who volunteer their time to keep London safe, and that his actions were an abuse of trust.

Other officers have faced allegations of fraud, sexual assault, and misconduct in public office following the implementation of Palantir's software. Two officers have already been arrested in connection with separate, unspecified allegations.

The Met Police Federation, representing approximately 30,000 officers, has criticized the use of the technology, expressing concern that it could lead to rank-and-file police being treated with suspicion. Palantir, founded by tech magnate Peter Thiel, holds contracts with other UK public sector bodies, including the NHS and the Ministry of Defence. The company's involvement in the UK has been a subject of controversy, with the Metropolitan Police facing a lawsuit from the office of London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan after a £50 million deal with the force was blocked.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly under pressure from Labour MPs and unions to terminate government contracts with Palantir. Former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, who recently joined Palantir, has cautioned against "mob rule" in government procurement practices, urging adherence to the rule of law.