Police Cybertrucks Hit the Streets: Las Vegas Police Department Gets Largest Tesla Truck Fleet in U.S. Law Enforcement

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s acquisition of Tesla Cybertrucks, donated anonymously, marks the largest fleet of these electric vehicles in U.S. law enforcement, as announced by Sheriff Kevin McMahill during his State of the Department address on February 25, 2025.

The 10 New Police Cybertrucks, including one modified for SWAT, feature LVMPD patrol and SWAT car designs, will be for officer safety training and serving as a recruitment tool, reflecting Tesla’s innovative electric pickup truck introduced in 2019 and entering production in 2023.

The Tesla Police Cybertruck has made headlines as a futuristic addition to police fleets in California, with the Irvine Police Department leading the charge by unveiling what they claim is the first in-duty police Cybertruck in the nation on October 8, 2024. This angular, stainless-steel behemoth, costing the department $153,175 after customization, isn’t destined for high-speed chases or routine patrols. Instead, it’s been assigned to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, where its eye-catching design—enhanced with emergency lights, sirens, and bold graphics—aims to captivate students and spark conversations about making positive life choices. Modified by UP.FIT, a California-based company specializing in high-tech police vehicles, the Cybertruck is equipped with features like a rifle mount, advanced electrical systems for computers and radios, and 35-inch tires, blending practicality with its standout aesthetic. The department anticipates it will last a decade in service, far outpacing the three-to-four-year lifespan of their typical $116,000 Ford Police Interceptors, while also saving an estimated $6,000 in fuel costs over five years due to its electric powertrain.

However, the Cybertruck’s integration into police work hasn’t been without scrutiny or challenges. Other California police departments, like Anaheim and South Pasadena, have experimented with Tesla Model Ys and Model 3s for patrol duties, but the Cybertruck’s adoption has raised eyebrows due to its hefty price tag and limited practical use beyond community outreach. Critics on social media and in local communities have questioned the expenditure of taxpayer funds on what some see as a flashy gimmick, especially given the vehicle’s rocky rollout since its 2023 debut, marked by five recalls for issues like faulty accelerators and rearview camera delays. While Irvine PD emphasizes its role in engaging youth and building trust—continuing a tradition of using unique vehicles like PT Cruisers and monster trucks for D.A.R.E.—some argue its effectiveness remains unproven. Meanwhile, departments like Greenfield have also teased Cybertruck additions, suggesting a growing trend, but the vehicle’s polarizing design and high cost keep it a lightning rod for debate in law enforcement circles as of February 26, 2025.

This initiative follows other law enforcement agencies, like Irvine Police, adopting Cybertrucks, amid Tesla’s broader challenges with sales, potentially boosting the vehicle’s visibility through police use.