Baltimore Security Guard Speaks Out on Treatment of Homeless People: ‘This Is So Dystopian’

It seems like every week, another video surfaces that forces people to confront how the most vulnerable are treated in society. A security guard in Baltimore recently posted a TikTok describing the conflict she feels while working, after watching police remove a homeless man from private property without offering him any resources or help. The guard explained that the man wasn’t violent but was trespassing simply because he had nowhere else to go. When she asked Baltimore Police Department officers whether they would at least direct him to a shelter or provide information, the response was dismissive. “That’s not for us to figure out. Our only job is just get him removed off the property,” she recalled being told.

What troubled the guard most was the lack of empathy in the room. While officers stood by, she and a coworker tried calling around to see what resources might be available. But even that revealed more barriers. According to her, Baltimore City shelters don’t take in men, and county shelters are often unreachable for people without transportation. “It doesn’t cost anything to be homeless. It doesn’t cost nothing to be broke. It can happen to anybody,” she said, adding that her own past experiences with near homelessness made the situation hit harder. She argued that roles like hers strip away empathy, tying authority to enforcement instead of compassion. “There’s no more seeing the person as a human being, seeing the person as somebody that you could be at any point,” she said.

Netizens Weigh In on the Baltimore Security Guard’s Story

The comment section was filled with support for the guard and frustration at the system. Some encouraged her to continue being a voice of balance, even if the job itself feels draining. “Do what you feel is best for your life, but they need ppl like you to balance the energy,” one user wrote. Others admitted the job can take a heavy toll. One person shared that they had to quit their “security job for the same reasons” because they “couldn’t do it anymore.”

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Some spoke about how showing empathy is often criticized. “They are so quick to call you sensitive like no, I have a heart!” one commenter remarked. Another added, “It would’ve upset me too! It’s too much going on right now. Everyone needs help.” Several also pointed to the bigger picture, warning that the lack of compassion is not sustainable. “There will come a time where we become angry enough. Let the pot continue to boil over. This is unsustainable. We have to lead with empathy and care for our communities,” a commenter wrote. Another echoed the guard’s feelings directly, writing, “This is so dystopian 😭😭.”