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PHOTO: Shaq sworn in as reserve police officer in Doral

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It's official: Shaquille O'Neal is back ... on a police force.

For the fifth time in his life, the former NBA superstar has been sworn in as a reserve police officer, this time in Doral, Fla. O'Neal, who had applied for the position in September and went through the normal application and background check process, was sworn in on Tuesday.

According to police Chief Donald De Lucca, O'Neal will be paid no money and will cover his own insurance costs.

O'Neal was previously a reserve officer in Port of Los Angeles, Miami Beach, Tempe and Golden Beach, and he's also been a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program in Virginia.

While it seems a bit of a farce at first blush, O'Neal believes his role, which consists mostly of community service, sets a good example for children and could eventually lead to a more active law enforcement gig.

"I want them to be able to say: 'If Mr. O'Neal can do it, I can do it,'" O'Neal said, later adding of a potential sheriff or chief role, "When it's all said and done ... in either Orange County, Dade County or Broward. But, I have to work from the ground up first."

This is a lot of fun, but it's disappointing that Shaq's not returning to his true calling: rap.

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