OAKLAND (KPIX 5) – The Oakland City Council voted last week to divert money from the police, which led many to believe the department budget was being cut. But some who made that decision told KPIX 5 that’s a misunderstanding.

At a news conference on Monday, Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong denounced the $18 million in cuts to his budget voted by the City Council. He said it would reduce police response and decrease the number of new recruits by eliminating two academy classes over the next two years.