Paula Dodds, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: "Policing in London is an incredibly difficult job - made only ever harder when we have fewer and fewer colleagues to tackle crime and keep people safe.
"As we have said time and time again cuts have consequences. Whilst technology has a part to play in policing we cannot throw lap tops at criminals.
"The stats show Londoners now have 1,461 fewer police officers than they did this time last year. And we fear these numbers will get much worse with shrinking budgets.
"We still need people - trained and skilled - to arrest and lock up the bad people. To investigate and gather evidence. And provide reassurance to the good people. We ask where is the detailed evidence to say technology will reduce crime?
"Our members are already overly stretched. They deserve better - and proper support from the country's politicians when it comes to funding the force."
