She said it was wrong that dealing with an incident such as a burglary should generate up to 70 separate forms.

Will I be legally required to go to the post depot to collect it? And what will they do if I don't? Charge me with something?

Wasting the Post Office's time?

The home secretary said the reforms would "send a clear signal that the professional judgment of individual officers is valued and it is expected".

"We've stopped the weary cycle of over-reaction, inquiries, blame, legislation, codes and guidance and blanket remedial training for all," she said.

"We will take a different approach - we will trust the police."

Home Secretary Theresa May: "I want to see a police force... free to fight crime"
The move to charge thousands of people by a letter would see bailed suspects sent formal charges through the post, instead of being asked to attend police stations.

It is hoped this approach alone could save up to 40,000 police hours annually.

However, the home secretary said targets and guidance which are scrapped nationally should not be replaced by local versions in each of the 43 forces.

She must be living on another planet altogether

And not even one in our solar system.