28 May 2024, 07:53

By EJ Ward

Our public spaces and cultural events have become militarized zones, overrun by hordes of intimidating private security guards.

This excessive security theatre cultivates more fear than safety, hamstringing our ability to freely enjoy the city's amenities.

Their very appearance is enough to raise alarm bells. Rather than a typical steward uniform, most of the security guards are outfitted in combat trousers bloused into boots and loaded vests bristling with empty pouches, one supermarket I visited last week was 'guarded' by a chap who looked like he was an extra from Call of Duty.

They look better suited for deployment to a warzone than overseeing a local music festival or event in a park.

This overly aggressive militarized get-up seems designed to intimidate and project maximum force, not reassure attendees.

One can't help but feel like they're strolling through an occupied territory instead of a public park on a summer day.

The needlessly belligerent security presence puts everyone on edge and creates a tense, uncomfortable atmosphere where there's........

© LBC