Authorities at the State Capitol say they won't close the building, but want to start moving out large items.

At the same time, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association issued a statement that they stand with the protesters.

Jim Palmer, executive director of the WPPA, said in a statement released Friday morning that Gov. Scott Walker should keep the building open and allow the protesters to stay.

There had been speculation on Friday that the effort to move out tables, chairs and other items from the building was the beginning of an effort to move protesters out. But the state Department of Administration said Friday that the building would not be closing at 4 p.m. Friday, as had been rumored.

"Capitol Police are working with protest organizers to begin removal of some large items that could pose fire hazards such as mattresses, folding tables and chairs," the state agency said.

Palmer's statement, issued before the Department of Administration statement, said "the protesters are cleaning up after themselves and have not caused any problems."

"The fact of that matter is that Wisconsin's law enforcement community opposes Governor Walker's effort to eliminate most union activity in this state, and we implore him to not do anything to increase the risk to officers and the public. The costs of providing security can never outweigh those associated with a conflict."

Palmer said he had asked members of his group to come to the Capitol to sleep amongst the throngs of protesters.

"Law enforcement officers know the difference between right and wrong, and Governor Walker's attempt to eliminate the collective voice of Wisconsin's devoted public employees is wrong," Palmer said. "That is why we have stood with our fellow employees each day and why we will be sleeping among them tonight."

In an interview, Palmer said he had already heard from some of his members who plan to join the protesters beginning Friday night.

"We can't sit idly by and see our collective bargaining rights go away," Palmer said.

The WPPA serves almost 11,000 active and retired members from over 380 locals. Palmer said his group represents town and city police departments around the state, as well as sheriff's deputies. State Capitol police, University of Wisconsin police and the City of Milwaukee Police Department are not members of the WPPA.

Walker's budget-repair bill specifically exempts public-safety workers, but many law enforcement groups have criticized Walker's proposed legislation.