California police department buys Cybertruck to keep kids off drugs

Sure?
By Tim Marcin  on 
a police cybertruck lit up at night.
Yes, there really is a police Cybertruck. Credit: Irvine Police Department / Facebook

Sure, Tesla's Cybertruck looks something a person using hallucinogens might imagine. But a police department in California is actually counting on it to keep kids off drugs — imagine that.

Irvine, a city of some 300,000 in Orange County, purchased a tricked-out Cybertruck for its police department. After the installation of emergency equipment, it ran the department a cool $153,175.03, NBC News reported.

If you ever find yourself in Irvine, don't worry about the Cybertruck pulling you over, however. The police department said it will mostly be used for its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Wrote the Irvine Police Department on Facebook:

"The Irvine Police Department (IPD) is excited to unveil what we believe is the first police Tesla Cybertruck in the nation. The truck will support our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts. While the fully equipped vehicle won't be used as a patrol car, it can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed. For over three decades, our DARE officers have driven attention-grabbing and one-of-a-kind vehicles that never fail to turn heads and excite students. IPD believes in the continual education of students and is one of only two DARE programs in the entire state."

The department also put out a flashy video showing off their new toy, complete with lightning bolt visual effects.

It's certainly...a choice...to purchase a Cybertruck for your DARE program. The Minecraft-esque truck has nearly too many recalls to count. It also has the potential to cut off your finger or simply fall apart.

The CEO of the company that makes it has apparently caused multiple crises within his company relating to his own alleged drug use. But apparently a DARE Cybertruck might help keep kids from abusing drugs themselves.

Topics Tesla Elon Musk

close-up of man's face
Tim Marcin

Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, and the occasional hot take. You can find him posting endlessly about Buffalo wings on the website formerly known as Twitter at @timmarcin.


Recommended For You
Tesla considers adding a new ‘stuck detection' feature to Cybertruck. Here’s why.
Cybertruck off-road



OpenAI supports California's AI-watermarking bill
The OpenAI logo on a smartphone against the backdrop of colorful light flares

How to watch California vs. Pittsburgh football without cable
Wide receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates with quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins, at Rose Bowl on Sept. 28, 2024, in Pasadena, California.

More in Life
When will we know who won the 2024 election?
A poll worker holds a stack of ballot envelopes.

Legos aren't cheap — snag 'em for 15% off at Target while you still can
LEGO Star Wars: The Clone Wars Yoda's Jedi Starfighter Collectible

Treat yourself to 25% off Solawave at Ulta
woman using solawave skincare wand and lifestyle image of solawave skincare wand

How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership
Illustration of a person signing for a package delivery

Save $100 on the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and welcome luscious winter locks
two people both use a dyson supersonic hair dryer

Trending on Mashable
Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 31
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 31
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 31
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'


NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 30
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!