It came as a leaked government report said her savage cuts had “likely contributed” to a rise in violent crime.
The Home Office study said gangsters and crooks had been encouraged by the lack of police on streets.
The claims come as the UK is in the grip of violent crime.
Ms Rudd claimed she had not seen the report despite it being prepared by her own department.
PA
POLICING PROBLEM: Amber Rudd is feeling the heat
“Governments own analysis seems to suggest that cuts to police officer numbers has had an effect in encouraging violent offences”
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott
The document says resources for fighting serious violence “have come under pressure and charge rates have dropped”.
It adds: “This may have encouraged offenders.”
In the past 10 years, officer numbers have fallen by more than 20,000 across England and Wales.
The report findings were blasted by Labour and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said: “The Governments own analysis seems to suggest that cuts to police officer numbers has had an effect in encouraging violent offences.
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“If true this blows apart the Tories repeated claims that their cuts have had no effect.”
Ms Rudd insisted money was not the issue.
She added: “Its up to different police and crime commissioners to make their decisions about how the money is spent.”
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