A police force in Southern California believes it has the country’s first Tesla Cybertruck for police use, but the odd vehicle won’t see much action.
The Irvine Police Department disclosed the acquisition Tuesday in a splashy video on social media, including Facebook and X. The total cost, including the installation of emergency equipment, is $153,175.03.
According to the police department, Cybertruck’s use will be restricted to enhancing Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program-related anti-drug events at schools.
The department posted on Facebook, “For more than thirty years, our DARE officers have driven eye-catching and unique vehicles that never fail to turn heads and excite students.”
The truck is seen traveling alone at night in a minute-long video produced by the Irvine Police Department, with dramatic music playing in the background and lights flashing.
Irvine is located south of Los Angeles in Orange County.
In a fact sheet sent to the media, the police department provided context for the price tag, stating that the Ford Police Interceptor, which is more widely used, has an estimated cost of $116,000 and an anticipated lifespan of three to four years. It stated that ten years are anticipated for use of the Cybertruck.
An email from a spokesman, Sgt. Karie Davies, stated that the police department anticipates long-term financial savings, including the elimination of the need to buy petrol for the Cybertruck. She said that the department was in need of a new D.A.R.E. car nonetheless.
“The Cybertruck is a replacement for another DARE vehicle that has reached its shelf life,” she stated.
Since Tesla started shipping the unique car in November, the Cybertruck has had a difficult beginning. Although there have been some encouraging sales projections, the Cybertruck has been the subject of five recalls due to software or equipment issues, and its flaws—like the inability to be washed in direct sunlight—have contributed to its recurrent ridicule on the internet.
Police in Irvine stated that they will not be using the Cybertruck for patrol, but they did not rule out alternative applications in the event that they become necessary.
The police department posted on Facebook, “The fully equipped vehicle can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed, even though it won’t be used as a patrol car.”
