by Lamborghini in Police Service: Not for Pursuits, but for Fighting Addiction
Police in New Jersey have taken possession of a Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, but this powerful supercar has a very different task than one might think. Instead of participating in races or patrolling the streets, the vehicle is on a special mission — it raises awareness about opioid addiction and helps residents access life-saving resources.
The Car as a Tool for Conversation and Support
The Huracan Sterrato has been temporarily loaned to the Garfield Police Department by the local Lamborghini Paramus dealership. The car has received special police livery designed to foster conversations about the issue and break down the stigma associated with addiction.
A key design element is a scannable QR code. It leads directly to the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center. Upon scanning, users gain instant access to a 24/7 live navigator who can provide support, counseling, and directions for those seeking help.
The Supercar’s Mission: Attending Events Instead of Patrolling
Instead of serving on the roads, the Huracan will appear at various community events, youth programs, and internal police department functions. The first such event took place on December 18th at the 37th annual “Toy Drive” at the Closter Firehouse, where local residents got their first close look at the car.
In addition to the unique livery, which mimics the graphics of real Garfield police vehicles, a blue LED flashing police-style light bar has been installed on the Huracan’s roof. Lamborghini Paramus has agreed to keep the car in this configuration at least until June of next year, giving the campaign several months to spread its message.
Technical Capabilities and Symbolic Significance
When it comes to high-performance police cars, the Huracan Sterrato could undoubtedly handle chasing down criminals. It not only has enough power to outrun the vast majority of cars on the road, but thanks to its increased ground clearance, it is also capable of tackling off-road terrain, loose surfaces, and reaching serious speeds when needed.
This project demonstrates how powerful symbols, like a supercar, can be redirected to address societal issues, including the addiction crisis.
Similar initiatives are becoming increasingly common as brands and government agencies join forces to promote social campaigns. Using an unusual and attention-grabbing object like a Lamborghini allows them to draw the attention of a broad audience, especially young people, to important but often taboo topics. The success of such a campaign may be measured not by the number of arrests, but by the number of people who sought help by scanning the QR code. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most effective “pursuit” is the fight against invisible enemies, like addiction, rather than criminals on the roads.
