Newport police add investigator, give two promotions

A new civilian crime scene investigator has been hired by the Newport Beach Police Department, in addition to a pair of promotions, the department announced Monday.

Daniel Martinez, who has a master’s degree in forensic science from National University and previously was employed by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, has been hired as the crime scene investigator, said Newport Police Lt. Bill Hartford.

Martinez worked as a forensic technician in his last job in Riverside, Hartford said.

Also promoted were Kim Kerr, who now assumes the title of station officer, and Eric Peterson, who is now a sergeant, Hartford said.

Kerr is a seven-year member of the Police Department and had previously worked as a community services officer in the department’s support services division, Hartford said.

Peterson is a nine-year veteran of the Newport force who also worked with the Los Angeles Police Department for five years.

Kerr will be assigned to the department’s property and evidence unit, whereas Peterson will be assigned as supervisor in the department’s patrol division.

According to Hartford, Martinez was selected because of his previous experience as a crime scene investigator and his extensive educational background, which also includes a bachelor’s in biology from Texas State University.

“Daniel competed with 300 other applicants and finished as the No. 1 candidate,” Hartford said.

Tom Ragan