Facing yet another eviction, Occupy Denver protesters vowed to continue camping in Civic Center Park after a brief meeting between the city's new police chief.
Protesters waited for several hours Thursday for an expected meeting with Denver Police after the department had sent a tweet saying they would show up in time for the daily general assembly meeting.
@OccupyDenver: Have been invited to your GA this morning at 10:00. Will see you there!
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 15, 2011
A couple hours later, some protesters were surprised to see the new police chief himself, Robert White, arrive at the park. White handed out his business cards and stressed the need for civility. He said the camps will have to be removed again, but he also called for a meeting Monday between police and the protesters.
"I think the city is willing to step up to the plate and try to address some issues," White said.
Some protesters had spent the day getting ready to leave, picking up trash and mounds of dirty jackets and sweaters.
Laura Avent was loading many of them up into an awaiting car along Broadway.
"I’m taking home useful gloves, hats, blankets and warm clothing, so the cops don’t get it," she said.
Avent said she planned to take them home and wash them and then bring them back because she said the protests will go on.
