Police-spec Tesla Cybertruck enters active duty fighting the war on drugs
10/14/2024 03:00 PM
A Tesla Cybertruck has found a new beat as a police car, with the unique one-off designed to promote the DARE program and as a community outreach conduit.
A Californian police department has purchased a purpose-built Tesla Cybertruck to promote its long-running Drug Resistance Abuse Education (DARE) initiative.
This particular Tesla Cybertruck belongs to the Irvine, California police department and it's been specifically kitted out by Unplugged Performance with emergency lights, custom police graphics, and police communications technology inside the cabin.
While it's not expected to complete much traditional police work, the Irvine PD said it is capable of responding to emergencies and assisting the local community when required.
It's designed to promote the Irvine PD's three-decade-long DARE program which educates the community on the dangers of drug dependence. The Tesla Cybertruck is just the latest of several one-off police vehicles the department has used to turn heads and strike community interaction.
OFFICIAL Why the Tesla Cybertruck isn't coming to Australia anytime soon
The Tesla Cybertruck will replace the Irvine PD's ageing Chrysler PT Cruiser, its previous dedicated community outreach vehicle.
According to US outletRoad and Track, the specially-developed Tesla Cybertruck cost local taxpayers $US153,175 ($AU227,220).
The Irvine Police Department suggests it's the first Tesla Cybertruck in the United States to be used as a police vehicle. However, it's not the first Tesla Cybertruck to be used by a police force – the Dubai Police Force beat the Irvine PD to the punch in June this year.
Reactions to the expensive police vehicle have been divided on social media. Some users have complimented the unique Cybertruck, while others have complained about it being a waste of taxpayer money.
One comment on the Irvine PD's Instagram reveal post said: "I would love to see the data that supports the continued practice of buying expensive, flashy cars for the DARE program and how it directly results in the decline of community drug use."
Another added: "Ok but why are we spending taxpayer dollars on this?"
However, Police Chief Michael Kent told ABC 7 Los Angeles it's worth the price.
“It’s those conversations [with locals] that cannot be quantified because they’re truly priceless,” said Chief Kent.
The post Police-spec Tesla Cybertruck enters active duty fighting the war on drugs appeared first on Drive.
