Exclusive: Deric Augustine has been promoted to series regular on ABC’s hit series The Rookie, currently airing its seventh season.

Augustine joined the Nathan Fillion-led drama in Season 7 in the recurring role of Miles Penn, one of the newest rookies at the LAPD. As a Texas transfer, he is a “rookie” despite being a two-year veteran of the force.

The character was most recently spotlighted in the Season 7 episode “Three Billboards,” which aired on April 8 and was written by Aleks Biskis and Chelsea Urech. In the episode, Miles reconnects with his best friend from college while on a crime scene. Miles’ old buddy reveals he has signed a big deal with a professional football team and invites Miles to celebrate with him at an upcoming party. He attends but ends up in a tussle with his friend’s right-hand man, who, as a result, loses his job. Miles is offered the new gig,...