By Joanna Putman
Police1
IRVINE, Calif. — The Irvine Police Department has officially unveiled its newest cruiser: a Tesla Cybertruck, the Orange County Register reported.
Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent expressed pride in the department’s innovative step.
“I’m very proud to say that we’re the first police department in the country to have this in its fleet,” Kent said.
While the Cybertruck is equipped to respond to emergencies, it will not be used for regular patrols, according to the report. Instead, it will serve as a tool for community outreach and engagement, particularly in the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Officers will drive the Cybertruck to schools and events to interact with students and the community.
The Irvine Police Department has a long history of using distinctive vehicles to engage with the public, including other trucks and a PT Cruiser decorated with police decals, according to the report.
“These vehicles draw a crowd with custom graphics and features that pique the curiosity of car enthusiasts of all ages,” said Kent. “We have seen time and time again how engaging the community breaks down barriers and builds trust between the police and those that we serve.”
The Cybertruck, including aftermarket modifications, cost more than $150,000—about $34,000 more than the department’s outfitted Ford Police Interceptor patrol cars, according to the report. However, the department expects to save up to $6,000 in fuel costs over five years, and they anticipate the truck will remain in service for 10 years.
