"[The students] know we're not there to bully or harass them in such a way as to suppress the voicing of their opinions and issues," Riley told the Crimson last year.

The approach seems to have paid off as the occupation continues into its seventh day today. In fact, the relationship between students and police is almost a polar opposite of Harvard's 1969 riots--when police beat students and were pummeled with bricks and bottles.

Now, despite their fatigue, officers banter with protesters and supporters and as the protest goes on, police are befriending many participants they see every day inside and outside the building.

"Rather than making things tense inside, we're getting to know these guys' family and friends," HUPD Sergeant Dan Brown said.

Officers standing outside Mass. Hall pass their long shifts chatting with passers-by and joking with protesters.

Those involved agree that the situation inside the building has remained mostly calm--thanks in large part to the fact that police and students have maintained good relations in the past.

"For the most part [police and students] are cooperating nicely," said Associate Dean of the College David P. Illingworth '71.