TOWERING over the drunks, post-adolescent thrill-seekers, and stone-faced sex workers, five heavily built men clad in combat boots and bright orange vests chomp on an assortment of mini ice-cream cones.

Their leader and employer, Nic Constantin, shakes hands and greets licensees, club owners, police officers and locals as he leads his intimidating men down Darlinghurst Road in the early hours of Saturday morning. His ''rapid response'' team - a private security force for 15 Kings Cross strip clubs, bars and fast food outlets to run to their aid when revellers get troublesome and violent - is the new face of Sydney's teeming ''Golden Mile''.

Rapid response team ... Nick Constantin (right) and members of his private security firm on their Friday night patrol. Credit:Lee Besford

Mr Constantin, 46, said the infamous cluster of strip clubs, brothels and tattoo parlours was safe.

''I reckon the Cross is the safest place in Sydney,'' said Mr Constantin.