In this edition of Role Swap, I partnered with Sergeant Marlon Hawkins from LSU’s Police Department to experience what it’s like to be a police officer.

The swap started with gearing up, and even the basics were a lot. I only put the vest and the duty belt on for this video, but I was shocked by the weight of the gear an officer has to carry on a daily basis.

The vest held the medical kit and extra ammunition pouches. The belt held the taser, an attachable light, glock holster and handcuffs. Even without the real setup, it was heavy.

Sergeant Hawkins gave me a tour of the building, which included cells, an interrogation room, a safe room for people who’ve experienced trauma, and offices with staff members who were very welcoming.

In addition to the patrol procedures, we went outside to learn how to use the different functions of the patrol car. I also tried lifting the protective shield officers use in high-risk situations, and it was much heavier than it looks.

Stepping into the role of a police officer was great, and since I’m already in the military, I’d have no problem keeping the people around me safe.

For Sergeant Hawkins, this role swap was far from his usual routine. Instead of asking tough questions in an interrogation room, he got to interview baseball fans at Alex Box Stadium. Even though he got a few no’s, he found his biggest yes in eight-year-old Micah, who was attending his first LSU Baseball game.

Sergeant Hawkins said he enjoyed the chance to connect with people in a lighter setting, and he did a great job at scouting fans who looked like they knew baseball.

Even though police officers are often serious and not used to being on camera, Sergeant Hawkins handled it like a pro. He even said I would make a great addition to their police force.