California Police Department Buys Tesla Cybertruck for Community Outreach

The vehicle is capable of responding to emergencies, but the department does not plan to use the truck for patrols. The Cybertruck will be used for community outreach and engagement.

October 9, 2024

The Irvine (California) Police Department is the first law enforcement agency to acquire a Tesla Cybertruck. The vehicle will be used primarily by DARE officers.Screen Shot from Irvine PD Video

The Irvine (California) Police Department has unveiled its newest police vehicle: a Tesla Cybertruck.

Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent told the Orange County Register he believes it to be the first police Cybertruck in the United States.

“I’m very proud to say that we’re the first police department in the country to have this in its fleet,” Kent said.

The vehicle is capable of responding to emergencies, but the department does not plan to use the truck for patrols. The Cybertruck will be used for community outreach and engagement, police officials said, and will principally be driven by DARE officers to schools.

The Tesla Cybertruck, plus its aftermarket equipment installation, cost the Irvine Police Department more than $150,000. An outfitted Ford Police Interceptor patrol car costs about $116,000, the department said.

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

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SPECIAL REPORT: Officer Health & Safety

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How Law Enforcement Can Afford Modern Tech with Limited Budget and Staff

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A Data-driven approach to police fleet maintenance

POLICE and Geotab to Offer Free Webinar on Data-Driven Fleet Maintenance

The webinar will be presented by Robert Martinez, former deputy commissioner of the NYPD/RSM Fleet Consulting LLC; Nathalie (Nat) Crewes, business segment manager for Geotab; and Alanna Bindi, fleet manager for the City of Stockton.

A Data-driven approach to police fleet maintenance

Learn how Geotab can help your police department move from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance, ultimately lowering costs, improving officer safety and maximizing the performance of your fleet.

Sponsored By: Geotab

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Reaching the Call Safely

How can officers stay safer behind the wheel when responding to calls? Driving instructors from the Michigan State Police and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center share their tips.

The Michigan State Police teaches its officers to maintain focus and control while driving to emergencies.

Setina Featured Equipment 40-Page Brochure

Setina Manufacturing

With its “Made in the USA” credo – the Setina Featured Equipment Brochure presents a products gallery across 40 pages.

Michigan State Police Testing Ford’s EV Mustang with Security Unit

“Adding this battery electric vehicle to our patrol fleet will allow us to study the vehicle’s performance long-term to determine if there is a potential for cost savings and broader applicability within our fleet,” said said Lt. Nicholas Darlington.

The Michigan State Police's 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E will be assigned to the State Security Operations Section.

Are Electric Patrol Vehicles Ready for Duty?

Typically, battery-electric police vehicles are mostly, at this point, used as administrative vehicles. What will it take for departments to deploy them as patrol units?

Although the Ann Arbor Police Department only uses battery-electric vehicles in administrative roles, its Ford Mustang Mach-E is serving as a recruitment aid to attract younger generation officers.

Road Ready Law Enforcement Vehicles

University of Alabama Transportation Services launches online auction site for police vehicles.

The secure, intuitive platform helps the university sell police vehicles that the department no longer needs.

California Agency Not Happy with Tesla Patrol Cars

Menlo Park, California, officers said the “small interior space” and “smart car” features, along with the low vehicle profile all made things more difficult.

Testing the Chevy Blazer EV Patrol Vehicle

During a visit to Detroit, Michigan, POLICE was able to check out the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV, get behind the wheel, and then really learn its capabilities when well-trained former state troopers took the wheel.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.17 seconds and can reach 100 mph in 11.08 seconds.

Georgia Sheriffs Use Take-Home EVs as Recruiting Incentive

Sheriff Levon Allen spent $3 million on 2023 Chevrolet Bolts. His use of taxpayer funds for the Chevy Bolts last year has rankled some county residents.

Florida Agency’s Recruiting Video Features Rolls Royce Patrol Vehicle

The department says the luxury vehicle is being loaned to them by Braman Motors — a Florida-based car dealership that also sponsored the cost to wrap the Rolls-Royce in MBPD's black-and-white design.

Screen shot from a Miami Beach Police Department X video shows a Rolls Royce loaned to the agency and customized by a luxury car dealer.

Suspect Attacks LAPD Officer Steals Patrol Vehicle and Crashes

An officer was working as part of a security detail downtown at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday when she was attacked by a man who jumped in the patrol SUV and took off, police said. At some point, the officer was ejected from the SUV.

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