The Hawaii Police Department recognized the efforts of a recently appointed officer, Michael Gusman, who is credited with the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics.
The honors were given at a Kona Crime Prevention Committee (KCPC) ceremony on June 25, where Gusman was named Officer of the Month for June.
The KCPC is a 501 C(3) nonprofit organization associated with the police department.
Gusman was on duty the early morning of March 20 alongside his field training officer, Ansel Robinson. The officers retrieved “a syringe, three glass smoking pipes with residue, which later tested positive for methamphetamine, six rifle rounds, and 10 sealed packets of methamphetamine,” each weighing 73 grams. After performing a vehicle check on a car, Gusman encountered a 37-year-old male driver of the vehicle and his 21-year-old passenger.
The monetary worth for the narcotics on the street is estimated to be $3,000-$9,000, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Both suspects received criminal charges as a result of the incident, with the driver taking the bulk of the blame, charged with “promoting a dangerous drug 2, place to keep firearm ammunition, firearms ownership prohibited, and drug paraphernalia,” while the passenger was charged with “promoting a dangerous drug 1, place to keep firearm ammunition and drug paraphernalia.” Both bonds were set at just over $50,000.
Officers and participating members regularly receive recognition during KCPC’s monthly luncheon and at the agency’s annual ceremony in September, during which an officer of the year is elected. KCPC's meetings also serve as community-wide safety discussions with local officials.
Though physical gatherings have been limited amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization still presents plaques to the winners during morning meetings at the station. Additional members and donations made by the public are now being accepted to help support the operations of the organization, which include new equipment and community policing programs such as Kona D.A.R.E. and Kona Hawaii Isle Police League.