THE Policing Board has said sanctions imposed on student officers who allegedly cheated in exams were not "appropriate or adequate".
An investigation was launched by the PSNI after the claims emerged involving more than 50 students.
Several recruits were not allowed to graduate from the PSNI training college after a whistleblower raised the allegations.
The board's findings are based on a report from Chief Constable George Hamilton.
In a statement, the Policing Board said Mr Hamilton was questioned for two hours regarding the "actions and decisions taken following this information coming to light".
Policing Board chair Anne Connolly said: "The Chief Constable has been left in no doubt that board members consider this to be a very serious matter which has caused reputational damage to the PSNI.
"It is deeply concerning to the board that so many trainees, at the very start of their careers, have been prepared to engage in this impropriety."
She added: "Members questioned the Chief Constable on their suitability and future credibility to perform the duties of constable and did not agree that the sanctions imposed were appropriate or adequate.
"The board is of the unanimous view that a clear organisational message needs to be conveyed that inappropriate behaviours can simply not be tolerated.
"The Chief Constable has now been asked to ensure the investigation that is already underway is completed expeditiously and a further report is provided to the board when complete."
