Scotland Yard is recruiting an extra 120 armed officers to protect the royal family, government ministers and high-profile figures, it has emerged.
The officers will also be employed to provide close protection to visiting heads of state and foreign VIPs amid the heightened terror threat.
Police say the extra officers will be deployed to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command. The number is in addition to the 600 extra armed officers being recruited and trained to bolster London’s ability to respond to a marauding firearms attack. 
Met commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe told the Standard: “We found there were more individuals to protect. Our officers were working incredibly hard and the list of people being protected has grown.”
One reason for the increase in demand for close protection officers is thought to be the recent changes in government which have affected key roles such as that of the home secretary and prime minister.
A drive to recruit more close protection officers from regional forces was launched earlier this year with the Met saying: “Right now, the threat to national security – and high-profile figures – is greater than ever.”
The job advert states: “It’s a varied and rewarding role, where you’re trusted to protect the world’s most powerful and influential people, both nationally and overseas. As part of this key Met Police specialist team, you won’t just be safeguarding London – you could be protecting lives.”
The job vacancy says: “Your main task is to provide armed close protection to members of the royal family, senior government ministers, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Identifying potential threats and ways to minimise risks and vulnerabilities.”
Armed protection officers are trained in the use of a range of weapons, including the Glock 19 pistol, which is described on the manufacturer’s website as having found “worldwide acclaim with both private and public security agencies”. 
The weapon is described as being smaller than a conventional service pistol and ideal as a “concealed carry or as a back-up weapon”. The prime minister and key government ministers are always flanked by a team of close protection officers, trained in firearms use and advanced driving techniques.
The Royalty and Specialist Protection Command was formed in 2015 with the merger of the Royalty Protection Command and the Specialist Protection Command following the Plebgate scandal. 
London Assembly Green Party member Sian Berry questioned why the Met had not announced the extra 120 officers. She said: “Any increase should be transparent and officially announced so Londoners are properly informed. The assembly shouldn’t have to find out about extra armed officers by spotting discrepancies in numbers.”