Steven Seagal has the force on his side

After a successful career as an action star, Steven Seagal is now patrolling the streets of Phoenix as a top law enforcement officer. Photo / Wikimedia Commons posted by user Dr. Blofeld

Movie star Steven Seagal has joined Arizona's top cop as part of his hardcore law force.

The Under Siege star has been invited to patrol the streets of Phoenix with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's lawmen, and he admits he jumped at the chance to serve as a deputy.

"When Joe invited me to join them, there wasn't a moment's hesitation," Seagal tells the Globe.

Arpaio insists the actor and martial arts star will be an "asset" to his team.

Seagal will also film his experiences on the job as a deputy for the new season of his hit show Steven Seagal: Lawman.

He filmed two seasons of the reality show in Louisiana, but the series was put on hold after the actor was accused of sexually harassing an assistant last year. She has since dropped her charges against Seagal.

- AAP