A Tesla Cybertruck has joined the Irvine Police Department (IPD) fleet, marking its first known police use in the United States. The electric pickup truck will be used to support the Irvine Police Department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the Irvine Police Department unveiled its newest unique vehicle: a Tesla Cybertruck. It is the first known vehicle in the country to be officially in service by the police force. A one-minute video attached to the post shows the Cybertruck, which is outfitted with flashing lights and the inscription “City of Irvine Police” on its sides.
#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
According to the description, the modified Cybertruck is intended to support the DARE program and community outreach efforts. For more than three decades, IPD’s DARE officers have driven attention-grabbing vehicles to engage students and young adults. Officers even use horses and work with K9 support to start positive conversations and foster community engagement.
“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,” the IPD wrote in a post.
“The truck will support our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts.
“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. IPD believes in the continual education of
students and is one of only two DARE programs in the entire state.
“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.”
IPD said the fully equipped pickup truck will not be used as a patrol vehicle, and will instead be doing work for DARE. However, it can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed, which is great news for the public.
IPD said it will be hosting several pop-up events in the coming weeks to allow the public to view and learn about the Cybertruck and talk to its officers.
