Captain Luis Martinez was born in El Salvador. He and his family immigrated to the United States when he was three years old. Raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Los Angeles High School before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and his Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership, respectively. He joined the Culver City Police Department in 2003 and has worked a variety of assignments in Patrol, Investigations, and Administration. He is currently the Special Operations Bureau Commander. He is a graduate of the LAPD West Point Leadership Program, Sherman Block Supervisor Leadership Institute, California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute, POST Command College Class #70, and the FBI National Academy #290. Over his career, he has earned the Medal of Valor, Career Achievement Award, and Supervisor of the Year Award. He is married and the proud father of two daughters.
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 Fritzvold.
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 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 9 and 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