Denver Police Ready For Planned Protest At Parade Of Lights

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver police will be in full force downtown Saturday night as protesters plan to take to the streets.

Organizers planned to demonstrate against recent grand jury decisions in New York and Missouri to not formally charge white police officers in the deaths of black civilians.

On the heels of days of walkouts, rallies and student marches around the Denver metro, police are prepared for the planned protest during Saturday night's Parade of Lights.

"We have no expectation that anybody plans to do anything that's unsafe. We also are ready for whatever it is people may do," Denver police spokesperson Matt Murray said.

The event, initially posted on social media, invites protesters to disperse discreetly amongst the crowd, ready to pop off into action -- and a planned "die-in" that would shut down parade traffic.

"Some of the people that are there are there to engage the police or to express their rights, but other people are there to enjoy a family event," Murray said.

The event will be fully staffed with officers keeping a watchful eye.

"It's a minute-by-minute thing. This is very fluid and we have to judge what's happening," Murray said.

Police said the public can choose to attend or stay home but either way, officers are prepared.