Ever since Rick Ross was shot at while celebrating his birthday in Ft. Lauderdale in January, he has taken huge precautions to protect himself.

According to law enforcement officials who told TMZ, Ross has hired New York City Police to help him feel more secure by enlisting a cop to stand guard (pic) at the hotel entrance of his temporary residence, The London Hotel in NYC. Sources say guards have been present and on watch for a few days.

The rapper has allegedly been targeted with threats by gang members.