Steven Seagal leaving Mr Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills (2/12)

I don't know how this didn't come out sooner but Steven Seagal -- oh wait, that's why, this isn't 1992 -- has been working as deputy in the Jefferson Parish sheriff's office in Louisiana for the past 20 years. And you guessed it, here comes the reality show. From the San Francisco Chronicle:

You can be excused for thinking that "Steven Seagal: Lawman" is another in the action movie star's canon of B-movies. You know, the kind of film where breaking bones with martial arts and aiming to kill (and succeeding) are part of the script.

But for most people, finding out that Seagal has been a real-life deputy for nearly 20 years in the Jefferson Parish sheriff's office in Louisiana might come as a mind-rattling shock. The beefy tough guy is not just a martial arts expert who has helped train officers while being a member of their force, he's also an expert marksman who has worked with the parish's SWAT team.

So, why now? Here's what Seagal said in the A&E press notes: "I've been working as an officer in Jefferson Parish for two decades under most people's radar. I've decided to work with A&E on this series now because I believe it's important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana - to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in this post-Katrina environment."

Can you imagine Steven Seagal breaking down your front door and arresting you? You wouldn't know whether to go quietly or double over laughing. The only thing more pathetic than a washed-up actor trying to play policeman is a washed-up basketball player doing the same (CLICK HERE to read more about Shaq!). I will give Steven credit -- he did come up with a foolproof way to get suspects to confess: he forces them to watch Exit Wounds.

[WENN]