Why the Irvine Police Department now has a police cybertruck

Teslas may be a common sight in Irvine, but police there just put a new twist on the trend: a Cybertruck police car. And yes, the fact that it stands out is why they got it.

According to Irvine police, their vehicle is the first of its kind in the country. (LAist could not independently verify this claim, but it is confirmed.)

Since its unveiling earlier this week, the police car has caused a stir on social media for a few reasons:

• Some people point out the cost of the vehicle (MSRP is around $100,000).
• Others recently mentioned the public antics of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk Misinformation spread on the subject of Hurricane Helene. He also offered hurricane victims “free” internet service that actually came with one Initial equipment cost: $400.

The Seal Beach Police Department’s official site was here for the feedback, adding, “We’re just here for the comments on my tax dollars.”

Irvine’s Cybertruck is customized to respond to emergencies and even possible off-road scenarios. However, you are unlikely to see a vehicle during regular patrols, department officials said.

What you get for $150,000

First things first: Cybertrucks aren’t cheap to begin with. With additional bells and whistles like police lights and other equipment, the total cost of Irvine’s vehicle is about $150,000.

If used exclusively as a patrol car, it would be significantly more expensive than a regular police cruiser, which costs over $110,000 each, according to IPD. Even the projected $6,000 in fuel savings over the life of the vehicle will not be nearly enough to offset the costs.

However, city officials say comparing this car to police patrol cars is inappropriate because this car was never intended to replace patrol cars.

Why would they need a Cybertruck?

If this sounds like a publicity stunt to you, that’s exactly the point: the car is intended as a conversation starter for public relations officials.

“I know this is an interesting vehicle and a lot of people have opinions about it, but we’re really excited about it,” said Irvine Police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp. “And the response from the community that we’ve been in touch with shows that they’re really excited about it.”

The car will be used specifically as part of the IPD’s DARE program, which Oldoerp described as “completely reimagined” and inspired by the anti-drug, anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol messages that many people are drawn to remember their childhood.

“Our program has really evolved into making good choices in life: fighting bullying, being respectful, setting goals, having positive self-esteem,” Oldoerp said. “So the curriculum is very, very different than when we started, which is why our program continues to be successful and why we are one of only two agencies in California that still have a DARE program.”

In short: Don’t expect to be stopped by a police Cybertruck, but don’t be surprised if you see one at your child’s school.

A history of unique police cars

Such spruced-up, flashy police cars are a long-standing tactic of the Irvine Police Department when it sends officers into the community for community outreach.

Cybertrucks are characterized primarily by their boxy design, and IPD is no stranger to taking advantage of vehicles with distinctive styling – when the Kia Soul was new, IPD equipped one donated from the automaker, which has offices in Irvine. For a similar purpose, the department also equipped a PT Cruiser with custom decals during that vehicle’s heyday.

The department has also converted miniature monster trucks into police vehicles, and officers often ride horseback for this purpose.

“They usually have additional lighting and unique graphics, whether it’s hand-painted airbrushing or something unique, something that wows and gives our officers the opportunity to have a unique interaction with our students,” Oldoerp said.