In an effort to quash his role on the “O.C.,” Benjamin McKenzie looks to have branched out into unfamiliar territory.  And in his new television series, he plays… a cop!

The “88 Minutes” stud was spotted hamming it up on the set of his new gig “LAPD” yesterday (September 29) along Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California.

Benjamin reportedly plays a reserved rookie cop who is still learning the ropes.  According to press, “LAPD” is slated to air on NBC in February 2009, replacing “ER.”

And when he’s not playing a fake cop, McKenzie is doing everything he can to campaign for his choice for the next President of the United States, Barack Obama.