LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has started rolling out a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks that officials say will strengthen patrol operations without touching the city’s budget. The department unveiled 10 Cybertrucks for patrol use across the valley, with one assigned to each area command, and a separate Cybertruck planned for SWAT-style missions.
Police leaders are pitching the move as practical modernization. Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the Cybertrucks are part of a broader push to make Metro a technology-forward agency, alongside expanded drone capabilities and training initiatives.
The trucks were paid for through private donations. LVMPD says the Cybertrucks and the outfitting costs were covered by Ben and Felicia Horowitz, with the donation estimated at around $2.7 million and routed through a law enforcement charity, “Behind the Blue.”
From a policing standpoint, the department is emphasizing capability. Outfitted by specialty upfitters, the Cybertrucks are being configured with patrol gear, including radios, barrier-style protection, ladders, and other tools for critical incidents.
According to internal emails, LVMPD asked the outfitter to remove Tesla’s “Beast mode” performance setting, a sign Metro wants the trucks tuned for duty use rather than thrill factor.
