Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes presented the City Manager Leadership Award for May to Jenette Martinez, the Crime Prevention Specialist in the Police Department.
“It is no surprise that Jenette is recognized out in the community for her high energy and contagious smile,” Reyes said. “Her gregarious demeanor immediately makes her a friend to all and her genuine kindness toward staff, co-workers, and the residents of Costa Mesa is exemplary of what makes our team CostaMazing. I’m thrilled to present her with this award.”
Martinez started as a Crime Prevention Specialist for the Costa Mesa Police Department in April 2018. Since then, she has been very present in the community through the Neighborhood Watch meetings she co-hosts throughout Costa Mesa, and PD events she organizes annually like Coffee with a Cop, Citizens Academy, National Night Out, and Shop with a Cop.
Last month, Martinez wrapped up Citizens Academy Spring 2025 session with a graduation ceremony of 23 participants who live or work in Costa Mesa.
Citizens Academy is a 10-week program where participants learn about how the police department functions to protect and serve its community through weekly classes presented by police staff from Patrol Operations, Dispatch, Investigations and Specialty Units, CSI, K9s, SWAT, Traffic Safety, the Explorer Program, and the Recruitment & Training Team.
Martinez connects with many of our residents through community events like NMUSD Lunch and Learns, Barktober Fest, Back2School Fresh, Costa Mesa’s Hispanic Heritage event, Access Resource Fair, Bike Safety Presentations, Car Seat Safety, IKEA Trunk or Treat, and the Back to School Resource Fair.
Despite having a full calendar, Martinez still manages to assist her team in an auxiliary manner with the Pink Patch project, Traffic Safety events, and PD ceremonies like the annual recognition awards, promotions, and retirements.
Martinez is known to bring fresh energy and new ideas to work every day. She is a joy to be around and she represents the police department and the City very well. She exemplifies the mission of CMPD and the City with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.
When she is not at work, Martinez is a loving mom to her two daughters and her beloved pet.