Occupy Columbia protestors praise police treatment

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Protesters gathered for their third day outside the Statehouse are praising South Carolina law enforcement for treating them well.

Parker Goldsborough says he fully expected officers in SWAT gear, but was pleasantly surprised.

The Columbia native says he helped spread the word about Occupy Columbia after seeing video of police reacting to Occupy Wall Street protestors in New York.

Protestors say communication with local law enforcement has been good. There were roughly 30 protesters Monday.

Tim Liszewski says sprinklers were even turned off so those sleeping outside over the last two nights wouldn’t get wet.

The group is not allowed to set up tents on Statehouse grounds. Protestors are still hoping to change that rule since it’s supposed to rain Tuesday.

Some protestors pledge to remain regardless.