Steve Guttenberg to LAPD -- Thanks for the Ride to the Walk of Fame!

Steve Guttenberg found himself in an LAPD squad car earlier today ... and was hauled down Hollywood Blvd ... but TMZ has learned the "Police Academy" star set the whole thing up.

Guttenberg was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this morning ... and law enforcement sources tell us he was REALLLY into the idea of arriving in a cop car.

We're told Steve called in a favor from the boys in blue ... who helped make Steve's wish come true.

So, congratulations hookers and homeless people in Hollywood ... you now have a new celebrity to crap on.