Chief Charlie Beck: Time On LAPD's Side at Occupy L.A.

At Los Angeles Times, "In clearing Occupy site, time is on LAPD's side, chief says":

After a flurry of eviction threats, street protests and court maneuvering, Occupy L.A. remained standing on the City Hall lawn Monday evening — prompting debate about the caution displayed by city leaders seeking to avoid violent clashes seen in other cities.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Monday he remains committed to the restrained approach, noting that the encampment has shrunk by about 150 tents in recent days and that police have so far managed to avoid aggressive confrontations with protesters.

Officers will clear the camp when they can "do it effectively and efficiently and with minimal force," he said. Time is on the department's side, Beck added.