French Presidential Candidates Get Increased Security Detail, ‘Tactical Umbrellas’, Ahead of Election Day

The close protection forces providing security to the two remaining candidates for the French presidential race has been given a boost in the final days of the campaign, with 15 specialist police officers each providing 24-hour coverage to Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron. Known as “superflicks”, or “men in dark suits” that surround high profile individuals afforded police protection in France, the number of officers available to the political frontrunners has been boosted in the wake of the first round vote and as media and political attention focuses on the candidates. The assignment of 15 officers each compares with just four the candidates had for protection at the start of the campaign.-- More...