As of 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday October 5, 2011, “Occupy Portland” event organizers have expressed that they will not be obtaining a permit and will not share any information on a march route or locations that the march may “occupy” along the way. The event is planned for Thursday October 6, 2011, at 12:00 p.m.
The Portland Police Bureau received a fax last night from “Occupy Portland” stating the following:
“Currently there is no plan to obtain a permit since this movement has no leadership and further legal advice from the National Lawyers Guild advises against obtaining a permit. For best impact we will march in the streets and disrupt the city.”
Representatives from the City of Portland and the Portland Police Bureau have been in dialogue with ‘Occupy Portland’ event organizers in the hopes that they will provide route information to the Police Bureau.
Efforts have been aimed at assisting the group in obtaining a permit for the event. The permit provides for a coordinated set of guidelines. The guidelines spell out the route, authorizing event participants to lawfully be in the street and it is designed to ensure the safe flow of all traffic in the downtown core. Experience has show that working with organizers on obtaining a permit makes the event more collaborative which increases the overall success of the event for everyone.
The Portland Police Bureau is committed to vigorously pursuing the goal of allowing participants to express their view which is there free speech right. Our overall objective is to take all appropriate action to help make this event happen in a way that is safe for participants and the general public alike.
The Portland Police Bureau is asking that Downtown Portland businesses be aware of this event and that they prepare for possible disruptions. Additionally, the Police Bureau is asking for the community’s patience and understanding as there may be disruptions to vehicle, pedestrian and TriMet traffic in the Downtown core during the duration of the event.
Anticipating that people may intend to occupy Portland parks as a result of this event we want to remind people that under City Code Park Rule 20.12.210 Hours of Park Closure:
A. No person shall be in a Park during hours of park closure. Unless the Director designates otherwise for any Park, “hours of park closure” means any time between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m. This offense is a class “B” Misdemeanor and under the City Code those who violate Park rules can be arrested.
The Police Bureau will continue to provide updates as they are available.
The day of the event, follow @portlandpolice on Twitter for updates and information.
