Shaquille O’Neal has officially entered the ranks of federal law enforcement after being named an honorary special agent by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Hall of Fame center received the distinction during the graduation ceremony for the FBI National Academy’s Session 299 on Sept. 17. FBI Director Kash Patel presented the honor to O’Neal in front of 265 law enforcement professionals from across the nation. The graduation took place at the academy’s historic campus in Quantico, where senior law enforcement leaders undergo rigorous academic and physical training.
Patel praised the four-time NBA champion for his longstanding commitment to the badge and the communities it protects. “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,” Patel said in a statement shared on social media. The honorary title is the latest chapter in O’Neal’s extensive history with police agencies. Since retiring from professional basketball, the former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat star has frequently traded his jersey for a uniform.
In 2005, he was sworn in as a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department and has held similar roles with the Los Angeles Port Police and the Doral Police Department in Florida. Beyond his reserve duties, O’Neal has taken on leadership roles within local departments. Late last year, he was appointed the community relations chief for the Henry County Police Department in Georgia.
The 7-foot-1 icon has often used his celebrity status to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, participating in community outreach and youth programs. The FBI National Academy is a prestigious 10-week program primarily reserved for experienced law enforcement leaders. The curriculum focuses on intelligence theory, forensic science, management science and law.
While O’Neal’s status is honorary, his participation in the Session 299 graduation highlights his continued advocacy for the profession. O’Neal joins a select group of civilians who have been recognized by federal agencies for their contributions to public safety.
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