Several police departments across the United States have begun adding Tesla Cybertrucks to their fleets in 2025. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received ten of these futuristic vehicles from an anonymous donor, later revealed to be tech investor Ben Horowitz. The trucks arrived in September 2025 and now serve various roles in the department.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that the donation happened before the Trump Tower explosion incident. He highlighted that the Cybertrucks provide bulletproof protection for officers and can “stop bullets” during dangerous situations. The reinforced steel construction offers better crash protection than traditional patrol cars. The electric design also eliminates fuel-related fire risks during high-stress incidents.
Some of the Las Vegas Cybertrucks have been designated for SWAT team operations with specialized off-road modifications. Other units serve as regular patrol vehicles for daily assignments. The donation sidesteps concerns about taxpayer money being spent on expensive vehicles. The SWAT versions feature reinforced armored doors for enhanced protection during tactical operations.
The donated Cybertrucks serve multiple functions from SWAT operations to daily patrols without burdening taxpayers with acquisition costs.
The Irvine Police Department in California became the first to officially incorporate a Cybertruck into operations. Their vehicle received full emergency modifications including sirens, spotlights, and custom graphics for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The total cost exceeded $153,000 for the single Cybertruck with all modifications and equipment.
Chief Michael Kent views the investment as a long-term strategy for public engagement with students. The department considers the Cybertruck a rolling symbol of innovation and community connection. The vehicle includes multiple cameras and collision avoidance technology as part of its advanced safety systems.
Police departments face difficult budget decisions when acquiring new vehicles. Rising fuel costs drive many departments toward electric vehicles for long-term savings. Environmental concerns also influence municipal decisions to change fleet vehicles to electric power. Departments must weigh initial investment costs against operational cost reductions over the vehicle’s lifespan. The Greenfield Police Department projects annual savings of $15,000 in fuel costs with their Cybertruck addition.
The Cybertrucks also serve as recruitment tools to attract new talent to police forces. High-tech vehicles create positive public engagement opportunities with community members. Student interactions through DARE programs particularly benefit from the futuristic vehicle appeal.