Why the Irvine Police Department now has a police Cybertruck

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

The Irvine Police Department says their vehicle is the first of its kind in the country. (LAist could not independently verify this claim, but it checks out.)

Since it was unveiled earlier this week, the police car has turned heads on social media, for a few reasons:

• Some people are pointing out the cost of the vehicle (the MSRP is about $100,000)
• Others have mentioned the public antics of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who recently peddled misinformation regarding Hurricane Helene. He also offered “free” internet service to hurricane victims that actually came with a $400 initial equipment cost.

The official Seal Beach Police Department page was here for the feedback, jumping on to say: "We're just here for 'my taxpayer dollars' comments."

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Irvine’s Cybertruck is customized to respond to emergencies and even potential off-road scenarios. However, department officials said you aren't likely to see the vehicle on regular patrol.

What you get for $150,000

First things first— Cybertrucks aren’t cheap to start with. With added bells and whistles like police lights and other equipment, the total cost of Irvine's vehicle comes out to roughly $150,000.

If it were used solely as a patrol vehicle, it’d be significantly more expensive than a regular police cruiser, which IPD says costs them over $110,000 each. Even the projected $6,000 in fuel savings over the life of the vehicle won’t be nearly enough to recoup the cost.

But city officials say that comparing this car to police cruisers isn’t apt, as this car was never meant to substitute for patrol cars.

Why would they need a Cybertruck?

If this sounds like a publicity stunt to you, that’s sort of the point: The car is meant as a conversation starter for officers doing community outreach.

“I know that this is an interesting vehicle and a lot of people have opinions about it, but we're truly excited about it,” Irvine police spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp said. “And the reaction from our community that we've had contact with, they've been really excited about it.”

The car will specifically be used as part of IPD’s D.A.R.E. program, which Oldoerp described as “completely reimagined” from the anti-drug, anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol abuse messaging that many people remember from their childhood.

“Our program really has evolved into making good decisions in life: anti-bullying, being respectful, making goals, having a positive self-esteem,” Oldoerp said. “So the curriculum is very, very different than it was back when it first started, which is why our program continues to be successful, and we're one of only two agencies in California that still has a D.A.R.E. program.”

In short: Don’t expect to get pulled over in a police Cybertruck, but don’t be surprised if you see one at your kid’s school either.

Irvine's youth outreach vehicles over time

Take a look at the police Cybertruck's predecessors.

These three vehicles were used by the Irvine Police Department for youth outreach programs in the 80s, 90s, and 00s respectively. The Cybertruck is the 20s entry.

(

Courtesy Irvine Police Department

)

These three vehicles were used by the Irvine Police Department for youth outreach programs in the 80s, 90s, and 00s respectively. The Cybertruck is the 20s entry.

(

Courtesy Irvine Police Department

)

These three vehicles were used by the Irvine Police Department for youth outreach programs in the 80s, 90s, and 00s respectively. The Cybertruck is the 20s entry.

(

Courtesy Irvine Police Department

)

A history of unique police cars

These types of decked-out, flashy police cars are a long-established tactic for the Irvine Police Department as it sends officers out to the community for outreach.

Cybertrucks stand out largely because of their boxy design, and IPD has no shortage of taking advantage of vehicles with distinctive designs — back when the Kia Soul was new, IPD outfitted one donated from the car manufacturer, which maintains offices in Irvine. The department also decked out a PT Cruiser with custom decals for a similar purpose in that vehicle’s heyday.

The department has also turned miniature monster trucks into police vehicles, and officers often go out on horseback for the same purpose.

“They usually have extra lighting, unique graphics, whether it's hand-painted airbrush or something unique, something to excite and cause our officers an opportunity to have a unique interaction with our students,” Oldoerp said.