The Sinn Féin spokesman on policing, Mr Gerry Kelly, has dismissed as "absolute nonsense" reports that Sinn Féin has taken the decision to join the Policing Board.
He also denied that the party leadership is engaged in preparing the membership for such an outcome.
"Sinn Féin is presently engaged with the British government at the highest level in an attempt to bring policing legislation into line with Patten's recommendations. We have not achieved this yet," Mr Kelly said.
"The full and faithful implementation of Patten is the minimum threshold required for the achievement of the new beginning demanded by the Agreement.
"There is absolutely no possibility of Sinn Féin endorsing anything short of the minimum threshold of Patten.
"Reports to the contrary are both unhelpful and untrue."
At the heart of Sinn Féin's refusal to sit on the Board is the early devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont and further policing reforms, beyond those announced by Secretary of State earlier this month.
Sinn Féin is also pressing London to revoke the legislation introduced by Mr Peter Mandelson in February 2000 giving the British the power to suspend the devolved institutions.
