Police Captain Buyten Graduates from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command

Police Captain Buyten Graduates from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command

The Hawaiʻi Police Department is pleased to announce that Captain Edwin A. Buyten has graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC).

Captain Buyten, a 24-year veteran of the department and current commander of the Vice Division, completed the 22-week program as part of SPSC Class 625, which was delivered remotely. The class included 44 law enforcement professionals from across the country and required participants to commit 30 to 40 hours per week in addition to their full-time responsibilities.

The School of Police Staff and Command is nationally recognized for preparing law enforcement leaders through practical, real-world instruction. The program focuses on leadership, organizational behavior, budgeting, resource allocation, and policy development. Participants are also required to complete written assignments, examinations, and a comprehensive staff study.

Captain Buyten’s graduation adds to a long list of professional accomplishments throughout his career. In 2024, he received the Bowl of Light Award from the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force for his dedication to reducing the threat of fentanyl on Hawaiʻi Island. He has been named Kona Crime Prevention Committee Officer of the Month six times and was recognized as the group’s Officer of the Year in 2006. Additional accolades include being named the Law Enforcement and Security Coalition of Hawaii’s 2010 Top Cop. He has also twice received the FBI Director’s Award, the United States Secret Service Investigators Award, and the Hawaiʻi State Law Enforcement Officials Association Officer of the Year award.

Since its inception in 1983, the School of Police Staff and Command has graduated more than 21,000 law enforcement professionals from agencies across the United States and around the world. The program is part of Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety, which was established in 1936 to advance professional law enforcement training.

“Captain Buyten’s successful completion of this rigorous program reflects his commitment to professional growth and effective leadership,” said Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “The knowledge and experience gained through this training will strengthen our department and help us better serve the people of Hawaiʻi Island.”

The Hawaiʻi Police Department congratulates Captain Buyten on this achievement and his continued commitment to leadership development and public service.