Richard J. Martinez, a 33-year veteran of law enforcement, has been promoted to the rank of Chief by Sheriff Lee Baca, and was assigned to the Court Services Division. In this position he will oversee the command of a division that consists of approximately 2000 personnel that are responsible for the security of all courts in Los Angeles County, which is the largest court system in the country; the transportation of all inmates via the largest law enforcement bus fleet in the nation; and the service of court process.

Chief Martinez began his law enforcement career in 1971 as a Deputy Marshal with the Los Angeles County Marshal's Department. In 1981 he was promoted to Sergeant and one year later, promoted to Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant, Chief Martinez worked various assignments within the Marshal's Department.

In 1994, soon after the Marshal and Sheriff's Department merger, Chief Martinez was assigned to Lomita Station, and later assigned as the Executive Aide to the Assistant Sheriff.

In 1996, Chief Martinez was promoted to Captain and held assignments at Century Regional Detention Facility, Walnut/San Dimas Stations, and Court Services Central Bureau. In 2000, he promoted to Commander and was assigned to the Court Services Division.

Chief Martinez holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice from East Los Angeles College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Management from Pepperdine University where he graduated cum laude, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California where he graduated with honors.

Chief Martinez resides in the city of Cerritos with his wife, Yolanda, of 36 years. They have three daughters: Kim and Kyla, both banking industry employees and Kara, a City of Cerritos employee and college student. In his spare time, Chief Martinez enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with his three grandchildren, Dennis, 4 years old; Alyssa, 4 years old; and Davis, 2 years old.