OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) _ Oakland’s police chief is disputing a claim by the union representing police officers that the city’s streets have become more dangerous since 80 police officers were laid off in July.

The Oakland Police Officers Association said last week that crime had jumped by 8.5 percent since the layoffs on July 13.

But Chief Anthony Batts said Wednesday that Oakland usually experiences a spike in crime during the summer, and that violent crime is down in the city.

Batts made his comments as police announced the arrest of a suspect involved in a fatal shooting in downtown Oakland over the weekend.

Batts also said Oakland police may soon be getting help from state and federal agencies as a result of a violent crime summit held last week in Oakland.