A Metropolitan Police officer has been suspended after artificial intelligence software allegedly detected sexual material on a force-issued device. Special Chief Officer James Deller is among more than 100 officers referred by the software, developed by Palantir Technologies and deployed last month.
SCO Deller is under investigation for allegedly possessing 'sexualised content' on the device. If proven, the matter could result in dismissal, though it is being treated as a disciplinary issue rather than a criminal case. The force stated: 'The officer has not been arrested and there are no criminal allegations.'
Operation Galatasary Inquiry
A major investigation, Operation Galatasary, has been launched by the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards to address the high volume of referrals generated by the software, which cost £487,000. Allegations include fraud, sexual assault, and misconduct in public office, with two officers arrested on unspecified charges.
Controversy Over AI Use
The software’s use has sparked controversy. The Met Police Federation, representing 30,000 officers, criticised the approach: 'No one wants bad police, but officers do not deserve to be treated with this level of suspicion by their Big Brother Bosses.'
Palantir previously secured a £330 million contract with NHS England in 2023 to create the NHS Federated Data Platform, intended to connect health information for better patient care. However, privacy concerns have arisen, as some of Palantir’s AI tools are used in global conflicts and US immigration enforcement. A £50 million deal between Palantir and the Met Police to automate investigations was recently blocked by the Mayor of London.
