The Security Force: Guardians of Joy and Safety

Since 2001, security has transformed from basic crowd control to sophisticated anti-terrorism operations. The bulletproof glass walls installed in 2018 changed the tower's approach flow but enhanced safety. Captain Louise Martin oversees 200 security personnel working round-the-clock shifts.

"We're not just checking bags," she explains. "We're reading crowds, identifying problems before they escalate. That couple arguing might separate and cause scenes on different levels. Those teenagers with backpacks might be planning to unfurl a protest banner. We prevent disruption while maintaining the tower's welcoming spirit."

Security staff come from diverse backgrounds—former military, police, but also teachers, social workers. "De-escalation is key," says Martin. "A visitor upset about waiting becomes cooperative when treated with respect. We speak 15 languages among us. Cultural understanding prevents conflicts."

The team handles everything from medical emergencies to marriage proposals gone wrong. "Last month, a man proposed, she said no, he threatened to jump," recalls officer Amadou Diallo. "I just talked—about my own heartbreak, about tomorrow being different. He came down. We hugged. That's also our job—being human."