Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay mistaken for real cop as she helps lost child

Law and Order SVU’s star Mariska Hargitay stepped into her heroic role of Olivia Benson to help a lost child. 

As the actress was filming the final few episodes of season 25, Hargitay was mistaken for a real-life cop when the young girl noticed a police badge on her belt. 

After more than two decades of portraying the detective, she put her practice to good use and sprung into action when the child revealed she was separated from her mother. 

The Emmy winner quickly comforted the scared little girl, who according to onlookers via People, was “completely oblivious to the film crew.”

The helpless child approached Hargitay while she was filming with co-star Ice-T, forcing production to halt for 20 minutes.

Read more: Mariska Hargitay is a vision in silver for Law & Order SVU's 25th Anniversary

The star was able to help the youngster reunite with her mother and after consoling them both, she returned to work. 

Ahead of the season 25 premiere, Hargitay opened up about the “journey” of Olivia Benson, who has become the longest-running character on a prime-time drama series.

With the NBC drama also being named the longest-running drama series in TV history, she told People: “We’ve been on a parallel journey.”

As for channelling Benson in emergencies, Hargitay shared: “There’s a thing: WWOBD, ‘What would Olivia Benson do?’ The fans would always talk about it, and one day it hit me.

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“I also have those moments where I’ve sort of slipped into her,' she admitted to the outlet in January. 

The actress continued: “If there’s a crisis, I just take over and lead like that. Being strong and fearless. It’s sort of this perfect feminist story.”

In the interview, Hargitay also praised the series for helping her embrace her “power” as a woman. 

“I can’t imagine the show ending, and can’t imagine not going on this journey with my cast, my crew,” she said. “I have so much to look forward to.”