The Irvine Police Department in Orange County, California, announced on October 8 that it now has what is believed to be the first police Tesla Cybertruck in the U.S. The department had previously teased the arrival of the vehicle in July.
While the truck is fully equipped for police use, it won’t be used for regular patrolling. Instead, it will serve as a tool to engage with the community, particularly supporting the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and other outreach efforts. The department emphasized that the truck will also be available for emergency responses when needed.
The DARE program, which educates elementary students on substance abuse and gang prevention, has been part of the Irvine Police Department since 1993. The department noted that attention-grabbing vehicles have always been part of their efforts to engage with students, and the Cybertruck is expected to excite and inspire.
In addition to the truck, the department utilizes other community outreach methods, such as officers on horseback and K-9 teams. The police plan to host pop-up events where local residents can meet officers and take photos with the Cybertruck.
The announcement went viral on X (formerly Twitter), where reactions were mixed. Some users criticized the purchase as a waste of taxpayer money, while others supported it, noting the potential for fuel and maintenance savings, along with the vehicle’s advanced features.
Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck in November 2023 after delays. The vehicle features a stainless-steel body, armored glass, and bulletproof doors, designed for durability and safety in challenging conditions. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had introduced the truck, inspired by the “Blade Runner” movie, to refresh the company’s EV lineup amidst slowing demand.
