Large gatherings obstructing a public sidewalk and other community events without a permit are minor offenses. Our priority in responding to demonstrations is to ensure that all people are safe, free from physical assault, or loss or damage to their personal property
We always seek voluntary compliance by attempting to meet with organizers to discuss their plans and actions, regardless of a group's beliefs or cause. Often there is more than one formal or informal organizer and not everyone in a crowd hold the same intentions making enforcement and accountability difficult. Issuing citations for low-level infractions and misdemeanors because some of the participants are walking in the street or the organizer failed to obtain a permit risks escalating the situation, takes officers away from protecting public safety (such as stepping in to prevent or intervene in acts of violence or serious property damage), and may increase the likelihood of even larger future demonstrations.
When faced with a large group of people marching or demonstrating in the street without a permit, the City has limited options. However, for the sake of public safety, the police can attempt to redirect a group of marchers to a safer or more manageable area, or if there is an immediate threat to public safety, require a gathering to disperse.