REDLANDS — Travis Martinez, former Redlands Police Department deputy chief, received approximately $1.26 million in total compensation in 2025 after retiring in April. The total included $81,804 in regular pay, $890,467 in other pay, and $231,099 in lump-sum compensation, according to State Controller's Office payroll data. The City of Redlands contributed $55,864 toward his retirement and health benefits during the same period.

Martinez was on paid administrative leave from the department for about 18 months, starting in October 2023, and did not return to active duty before his retirement. He filed a legal claim against the City of Redlands in 2023 and later agreed to retire and dismiss the claim in exchange for a payment reported to be approximately $872,000. Martinez alleged city officials retaliated against him after he reported misconduct within the police department.

He alleged he raised concerns about attempts to conceal evidence related to safety issues connected to a deadly Metrolink train crash that killed a Redlands woman and her 11-year-old daughter. Martinez also alleged he reported allegations of sexual misconduct involving then-Deputy Chief Mike Reiss to the FBI and stated he was repeatedly passed over for promotion because he refused to ignore misconduct within the department.

The City of Redlands has approved more than $3.3 million in settlements to resolve sexual harassment lawsuits related to Reiss over the past three years. This includes a $475,000 settlement approved in June 2025 with former forensic specialist Geneva Holzer, who agreed to resign and dismiss her lawsuit. Chris Catren denied any connection to the controversy involving Reiss. Martinez stated he had a 29-year career with the department and helped develop policing initiatives that were later adopted by agencies nationwide.

Why It Matters

Martinez's total compensation for 2025 was the largest amount reported for any city employee in California. His claims of retaliation for reporting misconduct, alongside the city's previous settlements related to another former deputy chief, illustrate ongoing financial and legal impacts for the municipality.