A suspected case of concerted cheating in exams by more than 50 trainee police officers in Northern Ireland has resulted in them being ordered to do their 22-week training programme all over again.
PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said he was “deeply disappointed” after 54 student officers at the Police College at Garnerville, Belfast were allegedly caught cheating in the exams.
The PSNI said the “allegations of impropriety” came to light the day before before last Friday’s graduation ceremony. Mr Hamilton considered student suspensions and the complete cancellation of the graduation, but opted for giving written warnings to all involved.
Mr Hamilton outlined what happened and his response to it at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board yesterday.
Ethical standards
“Clearly the behaviour and ethical standards of those involved will be closely monitored to ensure their performance meets with the high standards the public rightly expect of their police officers.”
The 54 student officers who had benefited from the “impropriety” would be required to complete the 22-week training programme in its entirety commencing on July 4th, he said.
However, Policing Board chair Anne Connolly said members had questioned the Chief Constable on the students’ “suitability and future credibility to perform the duties of constable and did not agree that the sanctions imposed were appropriate or adequate”.
She added: “The board is of the unanimous view that a clear, organisational message needs to be conveyed that inappropriate behaviours can simply not be tolerated.”
Mr Hamilton said he stood by his own judgment. “I accept that others may not fully agree with my decisions on the matter. However, I have acted in good faith and with integrity, believing that my actions have been proportionate and appropriate in all the circumstances.”