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The Irvine Police Department has set itself apart from other police agencies with a splashy Tesla Cybertruck for its fleet, with a price tag of more than $150,000.
The new electric vehicle will have a specific role -- and it’s not patrolling the streets. The truck will support the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, also known as DARE, to help outreach efforts in the community.
Flashy cars have become a tradition for Irvine police in their DARE Program: in the past they have used miniature monster trucks, and have even gone on horseback.
Irvine police released a statement saying cost of the Cybertruck is not as bad as it might seem. According to the department, a Ford Police Interceptor costs around $116,000 and is expected to last around four years, while the Cypertruck is supposed to last around 10 years.
Real estate agent Noe Farias supports the move: “good, embrace technology, embrace growth, embrace greener environment,” Farias said.
Others have split views on whether this a smart move by the city of Irvine.
Egan Waktole, a second-year student majoring in human biology, expressed skepticism.
“I personally think it’s kind of a waste of money,” Waktole said. “I think we have better things to spend money on than like a cyber truck for the police department, especially for like the DARE program. I don’t think the kids ... need to see a cyber truck.”
Political science major Reena Panikar suggested other uses for the money.
“If I had that amount of money, and I was like a city councilwoman, I think I would use that money towards programs that would help those who are already like impacted by the negative consequences of drug addiction,” Panikar said.
According to the Irvine Police Department’s social media, the brand-new, fancy Cybertruck could be used for other purposes than DARE: “...while the fully equipped vehicle won’t be used as a patrol car, it can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed.”
Time will tell if this electric vehicle will be welcomed with an electric response -- or if the Cybertruck will be cyber flunk.