Ben Horowitz, a prominent figure in the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and his spouse Felicia Horowitz are reportedly behind the generous donation of Cybertrucks to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Background of the Donation
The donation did not go through the LVMPD Foundation, which is responsible for raising funds to support the metropolitan police department. This unusual approach has sparked interest in the community. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the LVMPD announced earlier that the department would be adding 10 Cybertrucks to its fleet for patrol and SWAT operations. The trucks, described as “badass,” were donated and will not strain the department’s general budget.
Features and Benefits of the Cybertrucks
The Cybertrucks offer advanced safety features, including the ability to stop bullets, making them an attractive addition to the police fleet. According to Sheriff McMahill, “we want these things because the cops inside will be safe no matter what. These stop bullets. They are also a tremendous recruitment tool for us.” The department had ordered the trucks before a recent incident, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing officer safety.
Customization and Deployment
Unplugged Performance, a company specializing in customization options and upgrades for Tesla vehicles, has been working with the LVMPD to modify the trucks for police use. The team will tailor the vehicles to meet the specific needs of the department. This collaboration is expected to result in a fleet of high-performance, customized Cybertrucks.
Precedent and Comparison
The LVMPD is not the first police department to deploy a Cybertruck. The Irvine police department has already introduced a customized Cybertruck to support its community outreach efforts. Although the Irvine truck is not intended for patrol use, it is fully equipped and can respond to emergencies when needed.
Significance of the Donation
The high-end variant of the Cybertruck starts at $99,990, implying that the donation is valued at approximately $1 million. This generous contribution demonstrates the commitment of individuals like Ben Horowitz to supporting law enforcement and enhancing public safety.
Conclusion
The donation of 10 Tesla Cybertrucks to the Las Vegas Police Department marks a significant development in the use of advanced technology in law enforcement. As the department continues to customize and deploy these vehicles, it is likely to set a new standard for police fleets across the country.