On Monday 2014-08-18, after the National Guard had been called in, police were taking steps to limit protest activities. They closed the QuikTrip, which had served as ground zero for the protests and had been described as a "town square."
On West Florissant Ave, the main road, they told protesters and media they could not stay in any one place but instead had to keep walking. Police established an area where people could stand still, reportedly at the parking lot of Alliance Credit Union.
On Tuesday night 2014-08-19, a large electronic roadsign was dragged out which read "Approved Assembly Area". After the main crowds were dispersed, protesters were left along with legal observers.