CLEVELAND — Becoming one of Ohio's uniformed officers won't be a cakewalk for Shaquille O'Neal.

Hoping to further his sideline career in law enforcement, the Cleveland Cavaliers star has applied to become a special deputy in the Buckeye state. But the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Sunday that the Ohio attorney general's office says O'Neal must pass an examination and undergo substantial training first.

If approved, O'Neal would have the right to carry a gun and make arrests but not be a paid, formal employee.

O'Neal previously served roles with law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Virginia and Florida.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Bob says O'Neal wants the state certification to work with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

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Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com