Irvine PD has unveiled its Tesla Cybertruck police vehicle, but it won’t be used as a patrol vehicle.
The police department is pretty clear that it mainly wants the attention the strange-looking vehicle brings.
Cybertruck is one of the most polarizing vehicles in the world. Its novel design has been ridiculed by the internet for years.
A community of 150,000 people was built around hating the Tesla Cybertruck. It's wild. pic.twitter.com/6kMsuYyZoc
— Fred Lambert (@FredericLambert) August 28, 2024
But hate it or love it, it does get people’s attention. I know. In my review of the Cybertruck, I noted that it turns more heads than any other vehicle I’ve ever reviewed.
That seems to be why Irvine Police decided to get one.
As we previously reported, Irvine’s police department announced that it acquired a Cybertruck that will be turned into a police vehicle by Unplugged Performance.
Today, the Irvine Police Department unveiled the vehicle:
#IRVINEPDPIO – We are excited to unveil what we believe is the first police Tesla Cybertruck in the nation. The truck will support our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts. Details in the comments. #irvine @Tesla #Cybertruck #irvinepd pic.twitter.com/H9F20FbsMR
— Irvine Police Department (@IrvinePolice) October 8, 2024
Unplugged Performance shared a few additional pictures of the Cybertruck police vehicle:
IPD confirmed that it plans to use the vehicle in its DARE program:
The Irvine Police Department (IPD) is excited to unveil what we believe is the first police Tesla Cybertruck in the nation. The truck will support our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts. While the fully equipped vehicle won’t be used as a patrol car, it can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed.
The police department makes it pretty clear that its goal is to “start conversations” with the truck.
It aligns the move with officers working on horseback and dogs:
IPD passionately seeks unique and innovative ways to connect with our community and the youth of Irvine. Officers on horseback, working with a support K9, or driving a unique vehicle such as the Cybertruck start positive conversations and promote community interaction.
Good enough reason for a police department to buy a $100,000 vehicle? Let us know in the comment section below.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
