It looks like something out of a low-budget sci-fi flick or a fever dream by Philip K. Dick. But if you’re driving through Orange County, you might actually see it in your rearview mirror. The Irvine Police Department Cybertruck is real. It’s loud. It’s stainless steel. And honestly, it might be the most controversial municipal purchase in California history.
People are obsessed with it. Some hate it. Some think it’s the coolest thing to hit law enforcement since the Ford Crown Victoria. But behind the viral TikToks and the heated City Council debates, there is a very specific, very expensive reason why this truck exists. This isn’t just a patrol car. In fact, it’s not really a patrol car at all.
What is the Irvine Police Department Cybertruck actually for?
Let’s get the biggest misconception out of the way right now. No, the Irvine PD is not planning on using this 7,000-pound slab of cold-rolled stainless steel for high-speed PIT maneuvers on the 405. It’s not a pursuit vehicle.
The Irvine Police Department Cybertruck was specifically commissioned for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. It’s a "community outreach" vehicle. Basically, it’s a giant, shiny magnet designed to get kids and teenagers to stop and talk to officers. It replaces a high-performance Ford Mustang that served the same purpose for years.
Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent has been pretty transparent about the goal. The department wants to be approachable. In a city that consistently ranks as one of the safest in America, the police have the budget—and the directive—to focus heavily on PR. The Cybertruck is the ultimate icebreaker. Whether you love the design or think it looks like a motorized kitchen appliance, you’re going to look at it.
The staggering cost breakdown
Let’s talk numbers. This is where people usually start losing their minds. The base price of a Tesla Cybertruck is one thing, but turning it into a police-ready vehicle is a whole different beast.
The city spent roughly $132,000 just to buy the truck. But you can't just slap a "POLICE" sticker on the door and call it a day. The upfitting—the lights, the sirens, the specialized radio gear, and that custom matte black and white wrap—pushed the total cost north of $150,000.
Specifically, the Irvine City Council approved the purchase from Tesla directly, and then sent it over to Unplugged Performance, a company based in Hawthorne that specializes in Tesla modifications. Their "UP.FIT" division is becoming the industry leader for "policing the future." They added:
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- Integrated emergency lighting that maintains the truck's aerodynamics.
- A high-powered siren system.
- Specialized storage for tactical gear (even though it's for DARE, it’s still a police asset).
- Enhanced electrical systems to run law enforcement tech without draining the main battery excessively.
Is it expensive? Yes. Is it more expensive than a fully loaded Chevy Tahoe PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle)? Surprisingly, it's not that much further off. A modern gas-powered police SUV can easily clear $100,000 once you factor in the specialized cage, computer mounts, and lithium-ion auxiliary batteries. But the optics of a $150k Tesla are definitely... different.
Why Irvine? Why now?
Irvine is a weird place. I say that with love. It’s a master-planned community. Everything is clean. Everything is manicured. It’s the headquarters for Rivian (ironically, a Tesla competitor) and dozens of other tech giants.
The Irvine Police Department Cybertruck fits the "vibe" of the city. The department has a long history of using "flashy" cars for DARE. Before the Mustang, they had a PT Cruiser. Before that, other specialty vehicles. They believe that by staying ahead of the curve with technology, they stay relevant to the youth.
But there’s also the "Green" initiative. California is pushing hard for EV adoption. For a police department, EVs make a lot of sense for idling. Patrol cars spend hours sitting still with the engine running to keep the electronics alive. An EV does this silently and without pumping exhaust into the neighborhood.
The public backlash and the "Meme" factor
You can't talk about the Irvine Police Department Cybertruck without talking about the comments section. Go to any Irvine PD Instagram post featuring the truck. It’s a war zone.
Critics argue that $150,000 could have funded additional mental health officers, improved school safety measures, or even just bought three standard patrol vehicles. There’s also the Elon Musk factor. Anything associated with Tesla currently carries a heavy political weight, and some residents aren't happy about their tax dollars being used to "advertise" for a polarizing brand.
On the flip side, the department claims the truck has already paid for itself in "earned media." Millions of people have seen the Irvine PD logo because of this truck. From a branding perspective, it’s a masterstroke. It makes the department look wealthy, modern, and high-tech.
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Real-world performance (On the street, not the track)
While it won't be chasing down bank robbers, the specs of the Irvine Police Department Cybertruck are still insane for a city vehicle.
- It can hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds (depending on the trim level IPD received).
- It has steer-by-wire technology, making it surprisingly nimble in tight suburban cul-de-sacs.
- The "Exoskeleton" is arguably more durable than the sheet metal on a standard Ford Explorer police interceptor.
However, there are practical concerns. The Cybertruck is wide. Like, really wide. Navigating some of the tighter parking structures in Irvine’s business districts might be a headache. And then there's the repair cost. If an officer dings a stainless steel door, you don't just go to a local body shop and pull the dent. You’re likely replacing the whole panel.
The UP.FIT influence
The company behind the build, Unplugged Performance, is betting big on this. They recently debuted a "Patrol" version of the Cybertruck at the SEMA show. Irvine was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon, but they won't be the last.
UP.FIT’s CEO, Ben Schaffer, has gone on record saying that the Cybertruck is actually the perfect police platform because of its low maintenance and high uptime. No oil changes. No transmission flushes. Just tires, wipers, and electricity. Over a 5-year or 10-year lifespan, the department argues that the total cost of ownership (TCO) might actually be lower than a gas-guzzling Tahoe.
Technical hurdles and the "Glitches"
It hasn't been all smooth sailing. The Cybertruck has faced several high-profile recalls since its launch. Everything from accelerator pedals getting stuck to windshield wipers failing.
When the Irvine Police Department Cybertruck was first announced, many wondered if the department was taking a risk on "Beta" technology. Law enforcement equipment usually needs to be "battle-tested." By choosing a vehicle that is still essentially in its first generation, Irvine PD is acting as a guinea pig. If the truck breaks down during a community event, it's a PR nightmare.
Comparing the Cybertruck to other "Super Cops"
Irvine isn't the first to do this. Remember the Dubai Police? They have Lamborghinis and Ferraris. But those are purely for show.
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In the US, the LAPD experimented with BMW i3s (which was a disaster) and Tesla Model S units. Most departments found that the interiors were too cramped for officers wearing full duty belts and vests. The Cybertruck, however, is cavernous. It actually solves the "space" problem that previous EV police cars had. It’s the first EV that actually feels as big as a traditional police cruiser inside.
Is this the future of policing?
Probably not for everyone. Small-town departments with limited budgets aren't going to be buying Teslas anytime soon. But for "Destination" cities—think Miami, Beverly Hills, or Irvine—this is the new standard for community engagement.
The Irvine Police Department Cybertruck represents a shift in how police departments view themselves. They aren't just "enforcement" anymore; they are "brands." And brands need content. This truck is a content machine.
Actionable Insights for Residents and Observers
If you’re a resident of Irvine or just a fan of weird tech, here’s how you should actually look at this situation:
- Don't expect a ticket from it: If you see those red and blues behind you, and it’s the Cybertruck, you probably did something very weird. It’s not out looking for speeders.
- Engage with the officers: The whole point of the $150k spend was to get people to talk. If you see it parked at a park or a school, go ask the officers questions. They are literally trained to give you the tour.
- Watch the budget meetings: If you’re unhappy with the spend, the time to speak up is during the annual budget approvals in June, not after the truck is already wrapped and sitting in the lot.
- Monitor the TCO: Keep an eye on public records requests. In two years, we will know the "Total Cost of Ownership." That will be the real test of whether this was a smart move or a vanity project.
The Irvine Police Department Cybertruck is more than a vehicle; it's a social experiment on wheels. Whether it’s a genius move for the DARE program or a colossal waste of funds depends entirely on who you ask—and how many kids decide to stay off drugs because they wanted to take a selfie with a stainless steel truck.
Key Takeaways for the Curious
- The Price Tag: Roughly $153,000 all-in, including modifications.
- The Builder: Unplugged Performance (UP.FIT) handled the police conversion.
- The Purpose: Strictly for the DARE program and community events, not standard patrol.
- The Availability: It is currently active and appearing at various Irvine schools and public squares.
To see the truck in person, you can check the Irvine Police Department’s social media calendar. They frequently post where the "DARE Truck" will be appearing next for public "Coffee with a Cop" events or school assemblies.