HONOLULU — Sgt. Corbin Matsumoto of the Honolulu Police Department’s Major Events Division (MED) has been named the 2026 Outstanding Government Leader by the Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi in recognition of his leadership of the department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
A 13-year HPD veteran, Matsumoto leads the CIT Team, which consists of three officers and works in partnership with mental health professionals and community organizations to assist individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, homelessness or other mental health concerns. Since the unit launched in November 2025, CIT officers have conducted approximately 121 interventions. More than 97% were resolved without force through de-escalation, collaboration with health care providers and voluntary compliance.
In addition, patrol officers department wide responded to 2,163 mental health related calls in 2025.
“The work of the Crisis Intervention Team reflects the significant number of behavioral health-related contacts handled across the department,” Matsumoto said. “While these situations can be challenging, our officers are trained to respond professionally while showing compassion and empathy to the people involved.”
“This unit has already demonstrated the value of strong partnerships with local mental health and homeless service providers,” said Maj. Clifford Ramson who oversees the Major Events Division. “Sgt. Matsumoto’s award is well-deserved and a testament to the difference the Crisis Intervention Team is making in our community.”
In addition to leading the unit, Matsumoto helps conduct Crisis Intervention Team training four times each year. As of June 2026, approximately 294 HPD officers had completed the 40-hour training program, with another class scheduled for July.
All HPD recruits also receive Mental Health First Aid training and approximately eight hours of instruction on homelessness, mental health issues and de-escalation techniques.
