Shaquille O’Neal has a long history of being involved in law enforcement. Now, after graduating from the FBI National Academy, he has been named an honorary FBI special agent.
“This session is historic – FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country – @Shaq – who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent,” FBI director Kash Patel announced on X.
Almost immediately after being named an honorary FBI special agent, Shaquille O’Neal laid out who he wants to arrest first.
“Some of you will go back to your regular jobs, some of you will go to specialized training,” Shaq told the graduating class in a speech.
“Some of you will go do what I do, be undercover. Well, I was undercover… But I just wanna say I appreciate you guys so much. Congratulations. I am not here for this; I am here for you. … And if you see Charles Barkley, arrest him.”
🚨 SPECIAL AGENT SHAQUILLE O’NEAL 🚔😂
— Final Boss Jay (@FinalBossJay) September 17, 2026
Shaq just added another ridiculous title to his résumé, becoming an honorary FBI Special Agent after participating in FBI National Academy Session 299.
The Big Fella trained alongside law enforcement professionals and was also honored with… pic.twitter.com/F38QJ6wCJs
Shaq’s history in law enforcement
Shaquille O’Neal’s interest in law enforcement goes all the way back to his playing days. While he was with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq completed reserve training and later starred in a recruitment video.
He then became a Miami Beach reserve officer after being traded to the Miami Heat. He was paid $1 a year and was certified to carry a badge and firearm and make arrests.
During his post-NBA career, Shaq has served as a reserve officer for the Doral Police Department in Florida, was appointed as a sheriff’s deputy with the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, has been a reserve police officer in Tempe, Arizona, and was sworn in as a special reserve deputy for the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana.
Additionally, he has five years of experience with the Henry County Community Relations department in Georgia and was recently promoted to Chief of Community Relations.