The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has begun patrolling with 11 donated Tesla Cybertrucks, the largest such fleet in the US. The vehicles, gifted by tech investor Ben Horowitz and his wife Felicia, underwent modifications for law enforcement use. While praised for innovation, the move draws criticism over donor influence and the trucks' recall history.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) rolled out its new fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks in November 2025, marking the first US city to equip officers with these futuristic vehicles. The donation includes 10 patrol trucks and one specialized SWAT vehicle, estimated at $2.7 million and funneled through the charity Behind the Blue. The gift was finalized in late January 2025, following discussions that began in December 2024, shortly after Donald Trump's election victory.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill showcased the black-and-white wrapped Cybertrucks at a press conference, calling them "something far bigger than just a police car" and emphasizing innovation. He noted that no taxpayer funds were used, aiming to create "the most technologically advanced police department on the planet." The trucks, upgraded by UpFit in Hawthorne, California, feature warning lights, sirens, barrier shields, ladders, radios, and other tactical gear. Notably, Tesla's high-performance "beast" mode—allowing 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds—was removed from all 11 vehicles.
The donors, Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, and his wife Felicia, are longtime Las Vegas residents and police supporters. Horowitz has donated about $8 million in recent years, including tech tools like license plate readers and AI for 911 calls from his firm's portfolio companies. Though his firm invested in Musk's Twitter takeover, it does not invest in Tesla.
Public reaction is mixed. Athar Haseebullah of the ACLU of Nevada questioned the choice, asking, "Why would a Tesla be more efficient for police to utilize than a Ford?" He argued it endorses Elon Musk without enhancing community safety. Cybertrucks have faced 10 recalls since launch, including issues with panels, lights, and accelerators, amid declining sales—down 63% in Q3 2025—and protests linked to Musk's political role.
LVMPD addressed recalls before deployment, with McMahill praising the trucks as "high performance and built tough." The fleet is expected to boost officer morale and productivity.
