Transcript of Boston Police Department Press Conference on Destruction of #OccupyBoston Encampment on 12_10_11 at 6 a.m.
The following is a transcript of the Open Media Boston audio recording of a 6 a.m. press conference called by the Boston Police Department on December 10, 2011 on the corner of Atlantic Ave. and Congress St. to discuss their destruction of the Occupy Boston encampment at Dewey Square on orders from Mayor Thomas Menino. Boston Police Department Superintendent William Evans spoke on behalf of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis - who did not attend.
BPD Superintendent William Evans: At about 5 a.m. this morning, we moved into the operation here at Occupy Boston. As we moved in the protestors were sitting down, not putting up much of a fight. We ended up arresting several dozen at this time. Our operational basic plan was very orderly, very methodical. Nobody was injured. And there was no confrontation whatsoever. The several dozen that we arrested we charged with trespassing - after we'd given several warnings to leave the premises before they were arrested. There were several also arrested for locking arms and resisting arrest; so we don't have the exact number, but several dozen, again, after repeated announcements over the loudspeakers to leave or they would be arrested. They wanted to get arrested. It went very well and we're very happy with the operation.
Question: Were you surprised that they were so peaceful?
Evans: Ah, no, throughout this whole operation we've had a great relationship, great dialogue with them. So most of them that we've dealt with over the last two months; so it didn't surprise me - at least the people we were dealing with - that they were very peaceful. There was a certain element here that we might of had trouble. But that element really didn't show up.
Question: Superintendent, as you look back on these couple of months since the tent city was built how would you describe what's transpired over these two months?
Evans: Well again, it's been a major drain on our resources now. Obviously, as you know, we have a lot of issues going around around the rest of the city. You know, but I know the Mayor has made it clear he's been, you know, supportive of this group. But obviously, I think they overstayed their welcome. You know, people have a right to that parkway; so they can go through and you know the Mayor made a decision, he set a deadline and we moved in at what we thought was the best time so we wouldn't have confrontation. We wouldn't have any violent actions.
Question: Are you glad it's over?
Evans: Oh yes, well, again I think Occupy Boston and the Occupy movements around the country are going to be around for a while in different ways. But at least this operation in this camp is over for now.
Question: [free speech question]
Evans: OK, throughout this whole operation we've respected their first amendment rights. The issue here is trespassing on the public park with their tents. You know, they were noticed yesterday several times that, they refused to leave, that's why they were arrested. Never were they arrested for their first amendment rights. It was more for the trespass.
Question: [question on number of arrested]
Evans: Jamie can get you the, several dozen is what I can say right now
Question: What are you finding on the ground right now? how were you able to do the sweep?
Evans: Well obviously we're finding a lot of, you know, tents, a lot of garbage, you know a lot of sleeping bags - just a lot of litter. And as you can see now we're working with Public Works and all our city agencies to clean up the parkway. I know we've been in dialogue with the conservatory, you know, the Greenway, and they're going to come in - right away - and try to fence it off and try to bring that park back to the beauty it is.
Question: Superintendant, do you expect them to go somewhere else?
Evans: Oh, you know, we'll be ready obviously if they try to move somewhere else, you know we're going to have a lot of officers out there. But, you know, again, we've worked very very, you know, closely with this group. And I think, you know, what we're seeing here today show the relationship we have with them that they didn't put up a fight. So we'll continue to work with them anywhere they go. But for the most part I've gotta say this operation went very well.
Unnamed BPD official: hey guys just so you know, it looks to be at least 40 - at least possibly 40 arrests. But we'll have a firmer number for you as the reports come in. So that's about all we have for you right now. Thank you.
Question: Do you think they'll be issued bail?
Official: Yeah, they'll be arraigned on Monday
Question: Everybody's eligible for bail?
Official: They get bailed out in the morning. They'll be bailed, most will be bailed. No serious crimes.
Open Media Boston: Where are they being held?
Superintendent: All over.
Official: Yeah, various stations.
This transcript accompanies our article on the destruction of the Occupy Boston Dewey Square encampment http://www.openmediaboston.org/node/2125/ .
