The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is set to introduce the nation’s largest fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks for police use.
According to The Associated Press, these vehicles, each valued between $80,000 and $115,000, were acquired through a generous donation from Ben and Felicia Horowitz, a prominent Silicon Valley couple.
Ben Horowitz, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and his wife contributed approximately $2.7 million to support LVMPD.
Police Chief Kevin McMahill highlighted that the fleet of 10 bulletproof Cybertrucks will soon be operational, representing the first significant adoption of electric vehicles by a U.S. law enforcement agency, as reported by The Associated Press.
Chief McMahill revealed the acquisition of the 10 bulletproof Tesla Cybertrucks during a press conference, made possible by a $2.7 million donation. (AP Images)
“Welcome to the future of policing,” McMahill proclaimed at the event.
Per The Associated Press, McMahill said about 400 officers have already been trained to operate the new vehicles, which will recharge at designated stations across the city.
Las Vegas police will be using 10 Tesla Cybertrucks equipped with shotguns and shields. (AP Images)
“These vehicles look a little bit different than the patrol cars we have out there,” he said.
“But they represent something far bigger than just a police car. They represent innovation, sustainability, and our continued commitment to serve this community safely, efficiently and responsibly,” he added.
The Cybertrucks are each equipped with shotguns, shields, and ladders — signaling a move toward modernization in policing.
The rollout also came amid a difficult time for Tesla, as the company has faced a series of safety recalls.
The Cybertrucks are worth between $80,000 and $115,000 each. (AP Images)
In March, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled 46,000 Cybertrucks over concerns that exterior panels near the windshield could detach while driving, posing a road hazard.
Another recall in October affected more than 63,000 vehicles due to excessively bright headlights that risked blinding other drivers.
Officials emphasized that the Las Vegas police models do not include Tesla’s controversial self-driving software.
The Horowitzs are said to have also funded drone technology for the police department, per The Associated Press.
