My name is Holly Martinez, and I work for the police department in the city I live in and love so much. I grew up in Carlsbad, California, and have worked for the Carlsbad Police Department for seven years. I am a Community Service Officer (CSO) and Field Evidence Technician for the Investigations Division. I am a Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Investigation Team member, Peer Support Member, and liaison for Shop with a Cop and Toys for Tots. I have learned so much and continue to learn and grow every shift. I started with the department in our Records division, was promoted to Property and Evidence Technician, and then promoted to the CSO position in our patrol division. I love working with the community, being out in the city, and assisting our citizens in any way I can.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
The importance of community engagement and mentorship in law enforcement cannot be overstated. The tools I have gained in the USD LEPSL program have increased my ability to become a stronger leader in my community.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
We can accomplish remarkable feats when we come together with the collaboration of all our strengths, skills, and experiences. My journey with the Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) program has built up my character, strengthened my critical thinking skills, and deepened my understanding of serving the public uniquely and creatively. Although aspects of the program have been challenging, the rewards have been worth the fight. The support from the students and faculty staff has been instrumental in my success. The coursework in the USD LEPSL program has combined practical communication skills, data fluency, advancements in technology, community engagement, and change management to develop a strong leadership foundation to better serve my community and those I work alongside.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
Fear of being able to manage my professional career, home life, and personal time was my biggest concern. However, the program is designed for working professionals in public safety. The layout and structure of the program make it manageable, along with tremendous support from faculty and peers within the courses.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The depth of conversations over the last twenty months in the discussion boards with my peers has been instrumental in my ability to tackle current and relevant topics we face in law enforcement. The curriculum has prepared me to be a leader within my organization to promote positive change that will enhance policing in our evolving society. With cultural shifts, political changes, and technological advancements, it is essential to have the tools and resources to adjust to these factors.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
If you are considering the program, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. The commitment is reasonable even working 40+ hours a week and managing a family and a household. Our department has had close to 20 employees complete the program and several have promoted up the ranks. We have seen great success from the LEPSL program at USD.
What was your favorite part of the LEPSL program?
My favorite part of the program was the people I met and networking nationwide. It is so interesting to gain perspectives from different agencies large and small and collaborate on challenges in public safety.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
While completing the LEPSL program I worked 40+ hours a week while being on call for the Investigations Division. I am a mom of two kids 26 and 18, wife and grandma for a 4- and 6-year-old. I also exercise 5-6 days a week and walk our active hunting dog Brixx.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
The students in the LEPSL program all kept me motivated for the entire program. Sometimes you are with a student who is completing their last course, and it might be your first. ALL of them would encourage us to enjoy it and how fast it would go, and they were right!
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2024