Cutting police bureaucracy could save 2.5m hours says Home Sec

The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has announced that thousands of people, suspected of minor crimes, could be charged by post rather than having to turn up at a police station.

She said the move was one of several government measures aimed at cutting police bureaucracy in England and Wales, so officers can get back on to the streets.

Mrs May described it as a "water-shed moment" in policing. But the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said there was little new in the proposals.

Home Affairs Correspondent Tom Symonds reports.