Eight Connecticut State Trooper recruits have been terminated from training after an investigation revealed they violated academy rules by cheating and plagiarising, officials say.

The recruits were training as part of the 131st group and were terminated today.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police, Recruit Termination Board convened and recommended the collective opinion that they be terminated for violation of rules and regulations.

The Division of State Police also conducted an internal affairs investigation and found that the actions of the recruits were in violation of Connecticut State Police Academy Rules and Regulations, Section 1.13.1 cheating, or plagiarism.

The remaining 53 members of the 131st Training Troop are scheduled to graduate on March 24.

“This was a very unfortunate set of circumstances and allegations such as these are not taken lightly. From start to finish, we demand that our recruits maintain the integrity of the Connecticut State Police. When their integrity comes into question; a review may be warranted. In this incident, an investigation was warranted and conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit. The men and women of the State Police are expected to hold themselves to the highest standards in law enforcement. When those standards are not met, a process for review must be followed to determine if recruits are worthy of earning the title of ‘State Trooper,’’ Colonel Mellekas wrote in a statement.