If I'm right in how I read the Police plan, its sheer genius.
Cops are like a magnet to protesters. The protesters WANT to be arrested.
So what are the Police doing?
Inching them south - AWAY from the parks and NOT arresting them.
They have plenty of backup so a second unit from Washington County, Beaverton, or wherever could come in from the north and blockade the parks once enough people are led away from them.
If that's what they are doing, its working and is sheer genius. Lead them away from the parks then just close in behind.
I love how they’re saying the Pledge of Allegiance, as if they want to create a TV moment of evil cops arresting poor hippies. Are they saying “under God” too? :D
After reading around I agree with your take on it. The OWees were all psyched and braced for a clash at midnight, and now the fight is going out of them. The police probably know they aren’t very healthy, and a good adrenaline rush is enough to knock these wimps out.