Police ready for Rose Parade protesters

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Police in Pasadena, Calif., said they'll be well-prepared to handle Occupy protesters at the Rose Parade Jan. 2.

The statement came after an Occupy LA organizer called for protesters to turn out at the annual Rose Bowl parade, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"As the primary agency responsible for safety [of the Rose Parade], the Pasadena Police Department is well-equipped to handle emergencies and unusual occurrences," Pasadena police said in a statement. "Parade groups are encouraged to respect the rights of all who attend the parade, many of whom travel great distances with their families."

The parade draws about 1 million spectators.

A Web site for the protest said protesters will demand "corporate money out of politics."

Pasadena police Lt. Phlunte Riddle said police "want people who plan to use their scarce dollars to come here to know that they will be safe."

The Times said the department normally issues statements about Rose Parade safety the day after Thanksgiving.

But after the Occupy the Rose Parade plans became public, he said, "We started getting tons of phone calls from the media so this time we did it a little earlier."

During the 2008 Rose Parade, hundreds of protesters called for the impeachment of President George Bush, and human rights activists demonstrated against a float promoting the summer Olympics in Beijing.

Only one protester was arrested, accused of interfering with the parade, the Times said.

"We have experienced these things before and feel confident we can work with a group if they want to work with us," Riddle said.