Lucy Liu goes on police ride-along

Lucy Liu donned a bullet-proof vest as she toured some of the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles in a police car as part of her research for her role as a police officer in new drama 'Southland'.

Lucy Liu donned a bullet-proof vest as she toured some of the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles in a police car.

The actress is to play a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer in police drama 'Southland' and wanted to get some real-life experience, so she strapped on some body armour for a ride-along.

According to gossip website TMZ, Lucy toured some of the most gang-infested parts of the city in a squad car, but was not involved in any police activity.

However, she is set to participate in a more active ride-along in the near future.

Lucy is not the only celebrity to have taken part in a police sit-in.

Earlier this year, Jake Gyllenhaal witnessed a shooting in Los Angeles while he was doing research for his film 'End of Watch', in which he plays a police officer.

The incident happened on the 5700 block of Second Avenue at Van Ness Park during an anti-gang event called Summer Night Lights.

LAPD officials said bullets grazed the victim above his lip and on an arm. He was taken to an area hospital where he was listed in stable condition.