PORTLAND, Ore. -- Organizers for the Barack Obama rally earlier this month said they had people's best interests at heart when they installed port-a-potties in a controversial spot.

Some members of the Portland Police Bureau complained because organizers put the toilets in front of the memorial for fallen police officers in Waterfront Park.

Some officers took that as a sign of disrespect. But rally organizers want officers to know it just came down to logistics.

"There was no disrespect intended whatsoever. Due to the limitations of our space that was the only level area where we could ensure safety for those people with disabilities that needed accessibility to those port-a-potties," Obama rally organizer Terri Sorensen said.

Sorensen said Obama's local offices have closed until a nominee is named so it would be tough for local organizers to make a formal apology to police.