Las Vegas Police Deploy Donor-Funded Tesla Cybertrucks Amid Public Critique
In November 2025, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) deployed 11 Tesla Cybertrucks, including 10 patrol vehicles and one Swat vehicle. These vehicles were funded entirely by donors, avoiding the use of taxpayer funds. The donation, valued at approximately $2.7 million, was made by Ben Horowitz and Felicia Horowitz through their charity Behind the Blue, with the donation finalized in late January 2025. Both Horowitzes are Las Vegas residents and longtime supporters of the LVMPD.
The Cybertrucks were retrofitted for police use by UpFit in Hawthorne, California. The upgrades included installations of barrier shields, ladders, radios, and other police gear, with the department waiting about 10 months for these modifications. All vehicles are black-and-white wrapped and equipped with rooftop warning lights and sirens. The single Swat vehicle is designated as a sting protector for high-risk operations. To control extreme acceleration, the LVMPD requested UpFit to disable Tesla's Beast mode on all 11 Cybertrucks.
The Horowitzs' wider philanthropy supports LVMPD with technology tools such as license plate readers from Flock, drones from Skydio, and an AI 911 tool from Prepared911, all connected to Andreessen Horowitz portfolio companies. Notably, Ben Horowitz is not an investor in Tesla.
Despite the innovative approach to modern policing, Tesla Cybertrucks have faced challenges, including at least 10 recalls over two years. A recent recall on October 30, 2025, addressed a light bar that could detach and create a road hazard. Quarterly sales of the Cybertruck declined by 63% year-over-year to 5,385 units in Q3 2025.
Public critique from Athar Haseebullah of the ACLU Nevada highlighted concerns, noting that although the Cybertrucks symbolize modern policing, community members primarily desire to feel safer rather than focusing on vehicle outfitting.
