Officer Shaq?

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal has lofty law enforcement aspirations and is attending classes offered by the county Sheriff's Department for harbor patrol duty.

The classes, taught by volunteer reserves, began in September and end in February.

"I just have a love for policemen because they've always been the real heroes in my life," Shaquille O'Neal said. "I would like to have a leadership role."

O'Neal even has a custom-fitted uniform. Law enforcement officials know they have a potential recruiting spokesman in the charismatic NBA superstar but say O'Neal has not asked for any special privileges.

O'Neal will have to find time between practices and games for police work. Reserve officers serve about 20 hours a month.