The Irvine Police Department in California made headlines as one of the first law enforcement agencies to purchase a Tesla Cybertruck, spending over $150,000 on the vehicle with an additional $20,000 for customizations. The department opted for the most expensive Cyberbeast model, which boasts greater horsepower and range than the regular Cybertruck. The vehicle was purchased for the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) unit and will be used as a showpiece at various events.
Despite the Cybertruck’s popularity, the model had already been recalled four times by Tesla due to various flaws such as a faulty accelerator pedal assembly, loose trim, and malfunctioning windshield wipers. Additional customizations were done by Unplugged Performance, a Tesla customization company, for the installation of law enforcement equipment such as car lighting, radios, and exterior graphics. The company offers a service called “UP.FIT” which can facilitate specialty tool and weapon storage, prisoner partitions, and internet access through SpaceX’s Starlink.
The Irvine Police Department’s purchase of the Cybertruck is part of a growing trend among law enforcement agencies considering adding electric vehicles to their fleets. In January, the Rosenberg, TX police department tweeted at Tesla CEO Elon Musk asking about the Cybertruck as a police vehicle, to which Musk responded positively. Dubai police have already added Cybertrucks to their patrol fleet, and the Anaheim Police Department started a pilot program with Tesla Model Y patrol cars.
In January, 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 for a zero-emissions fleet transition. While Irvine PD already has armored vehicles for high-risk incidents and community outreach, there are no current plans to purchase another Cybertruck. Despite initial skepticism about the Cybertruck, one police employee mentioned in a text message obtained by Forbes that their opinion changed after riding in the vehicle.
Irvine PD’s Cybertruck purchase marks a unique addition to law enforcement vehicles and showcases a commitment to innovation and sustainability in police operations. While the model has faced recall issues and flaws, the department’s decision to invest in electric vehicles aligns with broader efforts to transition to zero-emissions fleets. With other police departments considering similar additions to their fleets, the conversation around the use of electric vehicles in law enforcement continues to grow.
