Casting for Cops

By Clayton Neuman.

Legal wrangles have always been part of celebrity chic, but more stars are finding second callings on the right side of the law. From superheroes to starlets, Hollywood's finest are suiting up to serve and protect.

SHAQ-LES NBA dunkster Shaquille O'Neal gave new meaning to heat last year when he joined Miami's team--and the city's police force. The 7-ft. 1-in. Shaq is allowed to carry a gun and make arrests.

ROMY'S NEW GIG Mira Sorvino followed her dad's path in 2005, becoming an honorary deputy sheriff in Pennsylvania. Asked whether her Oscar or the badge was a greater honor, she said, "That's a hard one."

HULKING FORCE The Incredible Hulk in the '70s TV series, Lou Ferrigno, was sworn in as a reserve sheriff's deputy last week in Los Angeles County. The uniform, unlike the green paint, was optional.

RESCUE 'N' ROLL In 2004 Van Halen's David Lee Roth traded a mike for a defibrillator as an EMT. After 200 sorties on the job, he mused, "Not once has anyone recognized me."

With reporting by Desa Philadelphia