Cops prepare for Occupy reinforcements, Portland movement organizes potluck

KOIN:

Ahead of the city mandated deadline to close the Occupy Portland encampment, the police bureau is concerned about the possibility of regional Occupy recruits flooding the area while the movement itself is advertising its own 'Occu-Fest.'Both camps--the Portland Police Bureau and Occupy Portland--issued releases Friday covering various elements after Mayor Sam Adams' Thursday announcement that starting at 12:01 a.m. Sunday all city laws and parks violations that were previously permitted will be enforced.While the Portland police release talked of gas mask accumulation, anarchist arrivals and the possible construction of weapons inside the camp, the Occupy Portland release said there will be creative signs, sing-alongs and empanadas at the potluck festival.Late last night police provided security for Portland Parks and Recreation employees who posted 'No Camping' signs in Champan and Lownsdale squares downtown. According to the police bureau, officers are also passing out informational sheets regarding how to acquire shelter or assistance.The Occupy Portland release also clearly stated that while some will spend Friday cleaning the parks for the potluck, others will be preparing to be arrested come Sunday.According to the movement, several hundred gathered to discuss options at Thursday night's general assembly."Many speakers voiced a belief that the movement is growing stronger, that the threatened eviction will bring more energy into the movement," read the release.Also at yesterday's city hall announcement, Portland Police Chief Michael Reese said he was certain the removal undertaking "will be a challenge."Reese declined any questions regarding his bureau’s tactical plan for possibly removing the "leaderless movement" but Adams--who is also the police commissioner--said police will be ready for “any reasonable eventuality,” including the possibility of arrests.Lt. Robert King with Portland police estimated that there have been over 60 arrests at the Occupy Portland encampment so far--and possibly over 70.“I can not wait for someone to die in the camp—I can not wait for someone to use the camp as camouflage to inflict bodily harm on others,” said the mayor yesterday.--Toshio Suzuki

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