Del City Police Chief Loyd Berger returned to work Monday after being placed on administrative leave last week during a dispute with city leaders over budget cuts.

Last week: Del City Police Chief put on administrative leave

Berger said city management ordered him to eliminate two key positions: the assistant police chief, who oversees investigations, and a property officer who has worked in the department for 43 years.

When he pushed back, Berger said he was placed on leave, and the city moved forward with the cuts.

The chief said that the staff reduction would set the department back a decade and could impact public safety, leading to slower investigations, delays in evidence processing at the state crime lab, and longer response times.

Berger said he is now working to reorganize

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