Occupy Boston, it seems, pulled a fast one on Boston police.
Police officers in recent weeks have prevented protesters from bringing winterization supplies - cold-weather tents and plywood for insulation - into the encampment.
And in a court hearing yesterday, Occupy Boston member Kristopher Eric Martin testified that one officer told him “winter tents are contraband, and we don’t want them in the encampment.’’
But one of those tents apparently found its way into Dewey Square - and it’s causing a stir in the Police Department.
The military-style green tent, several times larger than most tents in the square, appeared more than a week ago and is now being used for food storage and preparation.
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Two law enforcement officials said Boston police supervisors were angry after they learned occupiers had managed to sneak the tent into the site.
Officers had been told to stop anyone from bringing in tents that could withstand the winter, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media. But during a recent late-night shift, officers were not paying attention, and the occupiers took advantage of the lapse, the officials said.
It was unclear why the officers on duty were not paying attention.
Elaine Driscoll, Boston police spokeswoman, declined to comment.
Maria Cramer can be reached at mcramer@globe.com. Martine Powers can be reached at mpowers@globe.com