Shaquille O’Neal thinks more cops in schools would prevent school shootings, reports ESPN.

The former NBA player told WABC Radio's Curtis and Cosby show that the government should give police departments more funding to prevent incidents like the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

“The government should give law enforcement more money. Give more money, you recruit more people, and the guys that are not ready to go on the streets, you put them in front of the schools,” he said.

“You put 'em in front of the schools, you put 'em behind the schools, you put 'em inside the schools, and we need to pass information. I would like to see police officers in schools, inner cities, private schools."

The former basketball star said he is also against an assault rifles ban, citing the number of guns that are already “on the streets.”

"So it's not like, if you say, 'OK, these weapons are banned,' people are gonna go, 'Oh man, let me turn it in.' That's definitely not going to happen,” he added.

"'Cause once you ban 'em, now they're going to become a collector's item and you're going to have people underground, and they were $2,000. … I'll give you $9,000 for that gun. So, you know, we just need to keep our eyes open."

Despite this position, O’Neal says he supports the efforts of the students who are protesting to get more gun control laws on the books.

“I wish I could join 'em, but you know, hopefully it sends a message to the powers that be," he said. "'Cause we have to stop this. … I would like to see tougher background checks. If you can't protect our children in school, where are they safe?"

O’Neal’s fondness for law enforcement is well documented. He went through an unofficial police academy program in 2016, and has honorary placement in forces across the country. He also plans to run for sheriff in Henry County, Georgia in 2020. 

“This is not about politics for me,” he said of his aspirations. “This is something I always wanted to do. It’s about bringing people closer together. You know, when I was coming up, people loved and respected the police, the deputies. And, I want to be the one to bring that back, especially in the community I serve.”