Steven Seagal becomes NM deputy sheriff

Actor and martial arts specialist Steven Seagal has been sworn in as a New Mexico sheriff's deputy, officials said. The El Paso (Texas) Times reported the 60-year-old action film star was sworn in as a Dona Ana County deputy by Sheriff Todd Garrison Tuesday. He is considered a reserve officer and can carry out police work only while accompanied by a commissioned peace officer. The actor is expected to take part in border security training soon, the newspaper said. Seagal became a part-time deputy in sparsely populated Hudspeth County in far West Texas in 2011. He also headlined the A&E reality series "Steven Seagal: Lawman," which followed his adventures as a deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. "Mr. Seagal has spent decades in law enforcement training, and has a special interest in the unique challenges our department faces along the border," Dona Ana County Undersheriff Eddie Lerma said in a statement to the Times. "He has been an asset to other border communities, where he believes public safety is of particular concern. We are honored to bring that experience to this department as well." Seagal's films include "Machete," "Out for Justice" and "Under Siege."