Capt. Edwin Buyten graduates from Northwestern’s police leadership program

Congratulations to Captain Edwin A. Buyten, who graduated from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety School of Police and Command, a leadership program designed for law enforcement supervisors nationwide, the Hawai’i Police Department announced.

Buyten, a 24-year department veteran who currently leads the Vice Division, completed the 22-week program as part of the Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command Class 625, which he took remotely.

“The knowledge and experience gained through this training will strengthen our department and help us better serve the people of Hawaiʻi Island,” Police Chief Reed Mahuna said of Buyten’s completion of the program.

“This rigorous program reflects his commitment to professional growth and effective leadership.”

The program focuses on policy formation, resource allocation, budgeting, leadership development, and organizational management. Participants are also required to complete written assignments, exams, and a comprehensive staff study.

Buyten’s career with the Hawai’i Police Department has included multiple awards, including recognition from the Hawai’i Island Fentanyl Task Force in 2024 and multiple honors from the Kona Crime Prevention Committee.

He was named Officer of the Month six times and earned Officer of the Year honors in 2006.

He has also received national and state honors from law enforcement organizations, including the FBI Director’s Award, the U.S. Secret Service Investigators Award, and the Hawai’i State Law Enforcement Officials Association Officer of the Year award.

Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command has trained tens of thousands of law enforcement professionals since its creation in 1983 and is part of the university’s Center for Public Safety, established in 1936.

Police officials added that the training adds to his long record of service and leadership within the department.