Deputy Chief Luis Martinez joined the Anaheim Police Department in August of 2026 and currently oversees the Operations Bureau as well as the Professional Standards Section.
Deputy Chief Martinez was born in El Salvador and grew up in Los Angeles, where he graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1998. He joined the Culver City Police Department in 2003 and thereafter completed the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy, Class #338.
Over the years, Luis served in many different roles within the department, including as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Crime Impact Team Detective, Personnel & Training Detective, and Investigator with the LA IMPACT Narcotics Task Force.
In 2014, he was promoted to Sergeant and worked as a Patrol Supervisor before returning to LA IMPACT in 2015 to oversee Groups 1 and 25. Two years later, he became the first Sergeant to lead the department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET). In 2019, he took on the role of overseeing the Personnel & Training Section.
After being promoted to Lieutenant in September 2019, Luis served as a Patrol Watch Commander, Special Operations Lieutenant, and later managed the Professional Standards Unit, where he handled internal investigations and department policy. In January 2023, he was promoted to Captain, leading the Patrol Bureau. Later that year, he took command of the Special Operations Bureau before returning to the Patrol Bureau in September 2025.
In November of 2025, Deputy Chief Martinez joined the Torrance Police Department, as a Captain, and oversaw the Patrol Bureau.
Luis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Public Administration from National University, along with a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He’s also completed several leadership programs, including the LAPD’s West Point Leadership Program, the California Police Chiefs’ Executive Leadership Institute, and the POST California Command College (Class #70). In June 2024, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia (Class #290). Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Martinez has earned multiple department awards, including the Supervisor of the Year Award, the Medal of Valor, and the Career Achievement Award. Deputy Chief Martinez was a longtime member of the Culver City Police Department’s Baker to Vegas Team, where he proudly served as Team Captain for more than a decade.
Outside of work, Luis enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and cheering on his favorite sports teams — the Los Angeles Dodgers, USC Trojans, San Francisco 49ers and Villa Park Rangers FC.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I really enjoyed my experience at the University of San Diego and am a firm believer in the value of the LEPSL program. I am a proud alumnus and more than willing to promote the University and the LEPSL program.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
Ease of use/ functionality of the learning platform at USD. The structure and quality of the material presented were top-notch. The faculty were seasoned law enforcement professionals who brought valuable experience and insight from the policing profession. The pace of the instruction was ideal for working professionals, allowing students to meet their working obligations while still learning. As a father and husband, it was the perfect blend of schooling and work-life balance.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
Finding the time to complete the reading and written assignments, while communicating with fellow students and staff. Another concern was whether the material would be relevant to 21st-century policing. These concerns were alleviated by feedback from former students, staff, and other USD professionals.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
Tremendous support from staff and students and the mentoring and leadership of Dr. Erik Fritsvold.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Being effective and efficient in managing your time. Additionally, you get what you put in. In other words, jump in and be an active participant in class. Share your knowledge and have an open mind to the concepts taught as well as the experiences of those in class.
What was your favorite LEPSL course?
LEPSL 570 Public Policy Innovation and Professor Nuno Tavares. In this course, I worked with four other classmates with all types of experience and knowledge. Together, we crafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on an Orange County-based Violent Crime Task Force. It was an awesome experience.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
At the time I was in the LEPSL program, I was a Lieutenant working on Professional Standards. I also was enrolled in the POST Command College program so my plate was extremely full. Additionally, I am married and have two daughters, one who is an active club soccer player. Toward the end of the program, I was promoted to Captain, which increased my workload even more.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I thrive on adversity and excel when presented with a ton of work. Balancing my personal life and work obligations kept me grounded and the aspirations to achieve new goals were highly motivating. When I graduated from USD, I earned a second Master’s degree; not an easy feet.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2023