Victoria Police has sacked three officers and taken disciplinary action against nine others over the production of racist stubby holders.

An investigation has also resulted in six sworn officers receiving admonishments and three sergeants being moved to alternative duties.

One of the officers was an inspector who had previously been involved with the investigation into the matter.

The three dismissed police are a sergeant, who was charged with disgraceful conduct, and two constables who were charged with improper conduct relating to an inappropriate photograph.

The photo depicted an African man in what was described as a "vulnerable position".

All of the dismissed employees have lodged appeals with the Police Services Review Board.

Last year the force announced it was investigating officers involved in making the holders for staff at the Sunshine police station in Melbourne's west.

The stubby holders made reference to a mudfish, which is a derogatory term they used to refer to Africans.

It also had the slogan: "Whoever says Sunshine brings happiness has never worked here."

"They were clearly racist and completely inappropriate," said Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay.

"I simply will not tolerate racism or any actions that could be perceived to be racist in any way shape or form."

Chief Commissioner Lay says the incident has tainted the reputation of the force.

"There was large numbers in the African community that were enormously disturbed by what happened."

"Did it do our organisation harm? You bet it did, it did us a lot of harm," he said.

One further matter against an officer relating to the incidents is yet to be completed.