London- A British police watchdog issued a shocking report revealing the involvement of hundreds of police officers with cases of sexual assault.

The report made mention of at least 300 police officers exploiting their post to carry out their offenses.

Sexual misconduct was carried out mostly against victims of crimes the police force was investigating.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), a royal body responsible for examining police forces in England and Wales, released the report on Thursday mentioning that the incidents represent a “major threat to law enforcement”.

In its research, the HMIC said it had found proof of at least 436 reported allegations of “abuse of authority for sexual gain received, or received and finalized, by police forces in England and Wales during the 24 months to 31 March 2016”.

The report claimed well over a third , almost 40 percent, of the allegations involved victims of domestic abuse.

“This is a serious form of corruption that betrays the trust of the public — particularly of some of the most vulnerable people in society, such as victims of domestic abuse,” said Michael Cunningham QPM, HM Inspector of Constabulary, who was quoted in the report.

As part of its investigation the watchdog also conducted a survey with over 400 people working with domestic abuse victims.

The study follows the 2012 report by IPCC, Independent Police Complaints Commission, which made similar recommendations regarding sexual misconduct by police officers.

Concerning countermeasures, authority has issued a number of recommendations to the police. Although recommendations are not considered binding, police decorum forces implementation.

The commission’s recommendations noted the need to obtain the necessary technology for monitoring electronic devices, as well as strengthening ties protection organizations that look out for «vulnerable people. »