Undersheriff Kelly Martinez has been serving the people of San Diego County as a deputy sheriff since 1985.  She worked in the Detentions Services Bureau for three years before moving to patrol operations and finally numerous investigative assignments.  After twenty-two years as a deputy, she promoted to sergeant in 2007.  As a sergeant she completed assignments in patrol, investigations, and the Internal Affairs Unit before promoting to lieutenant.  

In 2011 Undersheriff Martinez was assigned as a lieutenant at the Communications Center and then the North Coastal Command.  In 2012 she assumed command of the Valley Center Substation.  Her final assignment as a lieutenant was the Narcotic Task Force.

In 2014 Undersheriff Martinez was promoted to Captain and took command of the Alpine and Rural Law Enforcement Division.  She was later assigned as the Special Assistant to Sheriff Gore.

In April of 2017 Undersheriff Martinez was promoted to Commander and oversaw the Investigations Divisions under the Law Enforcement Services Bureau.

In August of 2017 Undersheriff Martinez was promoted to Assistant Sheriff where she was responsible for the Law Enforcement Services Bureau.  The Law Enforcement Services Bureau provides general and specialized law enforcement operations including patrol, traffic, general and specialized investigations, crime prevention, crime laboratory services, crime analysis, criminal intelligence, narcotics enforcement, emergency services, licensing and communications.

As Undersheriff she serves as the chief deputy of the elected sheriff overseeing all department operations and ensuring San Diego County remains the safest urban county in the nation.  She is responsible for the department's $978 million budget and 4,145 authorized employees.  The men and women of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department operate 21 patrol stations and substations, seven detentions facilities, seven Superior Court facilities and the related Civil Division, a nationally accredited Crime Laboratory, and other functions necessary to provide for public safety throughout San Diego County. 

Undersheriff Martinez is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the San Diego Police Chiefs' and Sheriff's Association, and a lifetime member of the California State Sheriff's Association.  She is a San Diego native and committed to public safety.  Undersheriff Martinez is married with one adult son.  She counts travel and boating as her favorite activities. 

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