The Irvine Police Department in California made a questionable decision when they introduced their new Tesla Cybertruck to the public. The department created a cringy video featuring the theme music from “The Terminator,” a movie franchise known for its negative portrayal of law enforcement.
The video, which was shared on Twitter and Facebook, shows the Cybertruck rolling out to the Terminator theme music with smoke effects. The officers then awkwardly pose with the truck, all while sporting forced smiles. The video ends with custom thunder and lightning graphics that read “Irvine Police Cybertruck.”
Despite the department’s claim that the truck is meant for community engagement, there has been backlash over the hefty price tag of over $150,000. The department also faced criticism for attempting to keep the exact purchase amount a secret. Some experts argue that the money spent on the Cybertruck would have been better used to benefit the community.
The truck is intended to support the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach efforts. While it won’t be used as a patrol car, it can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed. However, the decision to incorporate the Cybertruck into the DARE program has raised eyebrows, especially since studies have shown that the program is ineffective.
Additionally, there are concerns over the department’s use of “The Terminator” music in the video without proper licensing. The department claimed that credit was given to the artist, but this may not be sufficient to avoid copyright issues.
Overall, the introduction of the Cybertruck has not been well-received, with many viewing it as a misstep for the department. The flashy video, high price tag, and questionable use of copyrighted music have all contributed to the negative reaction. It remains to be seen how the department will address these criticisms and whether the Cybertruck will truly benefit the community as intended.