The Irvine Police Department (IPD) in California recently unveiled a new promotional video featuring their recently acquired Tesla Cybertruck. This announcement was met with mixed reactions, as the video is rather cringeworthy, yet it reveals some unexpected details. Notably, the Cybertruck will be utilized solely for the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) anti-drug program and won’t serve as a patrol vehicle. Furthermore, the promotional video features music from the iconic Terminator franchise, adding an unusual twist.
“The Irvine Police Department (IPD) is excited to unveil what we believe is the first police Tesla Cybertruck in the nation,” the department stated on their social media accounts.
According to IPD, “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.”
Back in July, IPD first announced plans for the Cybertruck, following reports about Unplugged Performance, a Hawthorne-based company aiming to provide Southern California law enforcement with Tesla vehicles. Hawthorne, located just south of Los Angeles, houses significant SpaceX and Tesla facilities.
“For over three decades, our DARE officers have attracted attention with unique vehicles that never fail to captivate and excite students. IPD is committed to continuous education within our community and is one of only two DARE programs in the entire state,” the department observed.
Though DARE was established in 1983, it’s less common in schools now, despite some students still receiving what studies have shown to be ineffective anti-drug messaging.
“IPD seeks innovative ways to engage with our community and the youth of Irvine,” the department explained. “Whether through officers on horseback, canine units, or driving distinctive vehicles like the Cybertruck, we aim to foster positive conversations and enhance community interaction. We are excited to introduce this vehicle and will hold pop-up events soon, allowing community members to meet our officers and capture memorable photos.”
The promotional video notably utilizes music from Terminator, creating a somewhat eerie ambiance. Considering that the antagonist in the second film is disguised as a police officer and that the story critiques the concept of policing, the choice of soundtrack seems ironic. James Cameron, the director, discusses the deeper themes of the franchise in the 2010 book The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron, emphasizing the narrative’s focus on humanity’s potential loss to mechanization.
“The Terminator films aren’t merely about the destruction of humanity by machines,” Cameron stated, adding, “They reflect our disconnection from humanity and our capacity to kill and brutalize one another.” He further elaborated that “Cops often view non-officers as inferior—stupid, weak, and evil—leading to a dehumanization of those they’re meant to protect.”
As of now, questions sent to the Irvine Police concerning the Cybertruck’s integration have not been answered. Gizmodo will provide updates if a response is received.
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