Forum Post: LAPD went undercover at Occupy LA

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57336143/lapd-went-undercover-at-occupy-la/

(AP)

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles police used nearly a dozen undercover detectives to infiltrate the Occupy LA encampment before this week's raid to gather information on the anti-Wall Street protesters' intentions, according to media reports Friday.

None of the officers slept at the camp, but they tried to blend in during the weeks leading up to the raid to learn about plans to resist or use weapons against police, a police source told the Los Angeles Times. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing.

The undercover work yielded information that some protesters were preparing bamboo spears and other potentially dangerous weapons in advance of an expected eviction, none of which were used, according to the City News Service, which first reported the story.

Occupy looks to hone agenda after camps fade Occupyers warn of a winter of discontent 200 arrested as cops raid Occupy LA camp

Police downplayed the significance of the undercover work since Occupy meetings were public and easily tracked.

Police officer Cleon Joseph declined an Associated Press request for comment on the reports.