Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cid Martinez

Through his work as an ethnographic researcher and sociologist, Associate Professor Cid Martinez uncovers insights into complex relationships between residents and police and shares his scholarship as a member of community groups to improve relationships and foster collaboration and crime reduction. From his influential 2018 study on community-police relations in Sacramento to his hands-on juvenile justice program, Dr. Martinez highlights the experiences of community members dealing with trust, gun violence, and law enforcement. Martinez, the author of "The Neighborhood Has Its Own Rules," is also working on two manuscripts focusing on community violence management and ghost guns. He emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative forms of public safety, and in his courses, including Sociology of Guns, he provides students with real-time insights into current social justice issues.