LAS VEGAS (AP) The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is set to introduce the nation's largest police fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks, beginning patrols in November. This initiative is made possible by a donation from U.S. tech billionaire Ben Horowitz, raising concerns about the blurring of lines between public and private interests in law enforcement.
During a recent press conference, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill introduced the fleet of ten black-and-white Cybertrucks, each equipped with the police department's logo, flashing lights, sirens, shotguns, shields, and ladders. Approximately 400 officers have been trained to operate these all-electric vehicles, which will utilize public charging stations while responding to various emergencies, including barricades and shootings.
McMahill emphasized the innovative and sustainable nature of the Cybertrucks, which he claims enhance officer safety due to their bulletproof capabilities. Each Cybertruck is valued between $80,000 and $115,000. The sheriff highlighted the vehicles' unique benefits, such as a shorter turning radius, setting them apart from traditional patrol cars.
Despite these advantages, the donation has sparked fears among government oversight experts regarding the influence of private donors on public departments and the potential elevation of the Tesla brand. Elon Musk's electric vehicle company has faced backlash this year due to his political activities, prompting scrutiny of the relationship between law enforcement and corporate sponsorship.
Concerns also extend to Tesla's troubled track record, as the Cybertrucks have been subject to multiple recalls, including a significant one in March affecting over 46,000 units due to a risk of exterior panels detaching while driving. A more recent recall in late October involved more than 63,000 Cybertrucks due to excessively bright front lights, raising safety concerns.
Las Vegas officer Robert Wicks assured that all recall issues will be addressed before the Cybertrucks start patrolling. The modified vehicles for the police department do not come with any self-driving features, in light of recent investigations into Tesla's autonomous driving capabilities following incidents of vehicles running red lights and causing crashes.
Critics, including Laura Martin from the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Action Fund, argue that the imposing design of the Cybertrucks suggests a focus on intimidation rather than safety. Martin expressed concerns that Sheriff McMahill prioritizes corporate interests and police militarization over genuine community needs.
Furthermore, some fear that the advanced technology of the Cybertrucks could lead to enhanced surveillance capabilities that the public may not be aware of, potentially granting Tesla access to sensitive police data. Ed Obayashi, a special prosecutor and national police practices expert, noted that while private donations to law enforcement are common, this particular case offers no tangible operational advantage for the police department.
The controversial donation of approximately $2.7 million is part of a broader pattern of support from Ben and Felicia Horowitz, who have contributed significantly to the Las Vegas police department, including funding for drone technology and emergency call systems. Their financial contributions reflect a desire to bolster public safety and address budgeting shortfalls faced by public services.
Ben Horowitz, who has financially backed political campaigns across party lines, previously supported Elon Musk’s efforts to acquire Twitter. In a blog post, Horowitz articulated his commitment to enhancing public safety and the need for modern technology within the police force, emphasizing his apprehension about crime in Las Vegas.
