A police department in Southern California has bought what it is saying is the country’s first Tesla Cybertruck for police use, though it won’t be out on patrol.
The Irvine Police Department unveiled the purchase in a post to its social media, showing the Cybertruck with emergency equipment installed.
According to a fact sheet from the department, the cost for the truck and its equipment was $153,175.03, compared to the typical $116,000 it spends on Ford Police Interceptors. The department also said that the Cybertruck is expected to have a life of 10 years, while the Ford’s are used for three to four years.
While some might think they could get pulled over by an officer in the truck, that won’t be the case. The department said its Cybertruck will be used for anti-drug events at schools through its Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
“For over three decades, our DARE officers have driven attention-grabbing and one-of-a-kind vehicles that never fail to turn heads and excite students,” the department said on Facebook.
The minute-long video shared by the department shows the Cybertruck driving alone at night with its emergency lights flashing and music playing to make it seem more dramatic.
Even though the Tesla isn’t expected to be used for patrol, the department didn’t rule out its use if other needs arise. Social media reaction was mixed with one person writing on X 'Robocop vibes' and several others noting it didn't seem like a good use of taxpayer dollars.
"As a resident, this is a waste of taxpayer dollars," Harry Penn wrote on X. "The vanity of the Irvine police department is appalling." User Joel Keith added "Cybertrucks? Really. Are you children out their playing kid's games, or what? Is pulling up on a citizen in a Cybertruck community servicing? Whoever made that genius decision... tell them good luck getting their new toys insured."
“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 wrote on Facebook.