Why is it that whenever you need help from a police officer on Oxford Street they’re nowhere to be found, but then you’ll go to a peaceful, well-organised event in the park like Summer Gay Day or Global Gathering and feel like you’ve gone to the APEC summit?

The police presence at Summer Gay Day this year was totally heavy handed and thoroughly unpleasant. The 3000 partygoers were met at the gates by at least twenty officers, numerous drug detection dogs and a fleet of nine patrol vehicles. People were being searched left, right and centre as they made their way inside, many were asked to remove their shoes and items of clothing, often in full view of passers by.

Once inside the party people weren’t able to sit and enjoy the sunshine without constantly having their personal space invaded by police and sniffer dogs. Officers remained on site from midday – two hours before the event started – until 6pm. At one point I saw a man surrounded by numerous officers being strip searched down by Kippax Lake in full view of everybody – totally unnecessary and humiliating. At least ten people reported that they were searched, and when it was discovered that they had no drugs on them, police still asked for their details to keep on file. Many were also searched more than once.

Predictably later that night on Oxford Street there were no police to be found. In the wee hours of the morning I was literally stepping over smashed bottles, people passed out in the gutter, and saw one gay guy punched in the stomach and back by a female unknown to him.

Global Gathering was hit hard on Sunday too. Throughout the day, a total of 52 people were arrested, 51 of those in relation to drug offences.

“It is extremely disappointing… that some people still have not got the message that illegal drugs will not be tolerated by NSW Police,” said A/Inspector Brad Nuttall, Surry Hills Local Area Command said. “If you carry or supply prohibited drugs at these events, you will be caught and you will be put before a court.”

Summer in Sydney is off to a great start! And as of this weekend we have the lockouts to look forward to as well.

“This is a timely reminder to everyone, as the weather continues to warm up and the festive season gets underway, that anti-social behaviour is not acceptable, and this includes the use of illegal drugs.”

One has to wonder what kind of behaviour is acceptable. Strip searching people in public? Relentless invasion of personal space and intimidation? Taking personal details of innocent people to keep on file, so that they are ‘known to police’?

In 2006 the NSW Ombudsman described sniffer dogs as a dismal failure, yet years later they continue to be used. The Ombudsman cited that 73% of people identified by the dogs are not carrying drugs, most drugs detected are small amounts of cannabis and that dogs are failing to detect drug dealers.