Music festivals are associated with high levels of illegal drug use. Policing strategies aimed at preventing drug use at festivals have been criticised for causing unintended consequences that contribute to drug-related harm and crime. This presentation presents findings from an ethnographic study that utilised observations and interviews to investigate the role of private security in harm reduction at music festivals. The study’s overarching is to contribute to disciplinary knowledge and understanding of contemporary drug, crime and policing issues. By adopting an active-membership-role as an unpaid member of private security, the observational stage of this study explored and analysed drug policy in practice. Critically engaging with the ‘’Three Ps’’ drug policy framework - Prevent, Pursue and Protect - implemented at music festivals, this research evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies and provides qualitative insights into the harms caused by the policing of drugs and drug markets. This study concludes by advocating for the implementation of harm reduction policing and initiatives at music festivals to enhance safety and inclusivity in these contemporary dance spaces.