The Irvine Police Department in California made headlines when they purchased a Tesla Cybertruck for over $150,000, including $20,000 in customizations. The department opted for the most expensive Cyberbeast model, which boasts greater horsepower and range than the regular Cybertruck. Despite some flaws reported in other models, Sergeant Karie Davies stated that the Cybertruck will not be used for patrolling but will instead become part of the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) unit.
In addition to the Cybertruck purchase, the department also paid $20,000 to Tesla customization company Unplugged Performance for the installation of unspecified “law enforcement equipment.” This equipment could potentially include car lighting, radios, and exterior graphics. The company’s “UP.FIT” service offers various customization options for police vehicles, including specialty tool and weapon storage, prisoner partitions, and internet access through SpaceX’s Starlink.
The Irvine Police Department is not the only law enforcement agency considering adding Cybertrucks to their fleet. The Rosenberg, TX police department reached out to Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Twitter inquiring about the potential of using a Cybertruck as a police vehicle. Musk responded positively, indicating interest in the idea. Other police departments, such as those in Dubai and Anaheim, have also shown interest in utilizing Tesla vehicles for patrol duties.
California State Senator Dave Min allocated $990,000 in state funding for the Irvine Police Department to invest in electric vehicles, chargers, and other equipment necessary for transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet. Irvine PD already has armored vehicles for high-risk incidents and special events. The department has no current plans to purchase another Cybertruck, with one employee expressing a change in opinion after riding in the vehicle.
Overall, the Irvine Police Department’s purchase of a Tesla Cybertruck has sparked discussion about the use of electric vehicles in law enforcement. Despite some reported flaws in the model, the department sees the Cybertruck as a unique addition to their fleet for community outreach and educational purposes. With ongoing efforts to transition to a zero-emissions fleet, the department is committed to exploring innovative solutions for their law enforcement needs.
