Martins spent eight years working for Victim Support in the Toxteth area of Liverpool, first as a volunteer while at University and then as a service co-ordinator.

Before being elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, Martins worked for the Labour Party MP, Maria Eagle.

[5][6][7] Martins has called for persistent offenders to be fitted with GPS tags on a compulsory basis so they can be tracked in real time.

"[16] Paul announced her early retirement in June 2015 and said, "I consider Bedfordshire fortunate to have the PCC, Olly Martins, who is committed to ensuring the best possible future for the force.

[34] In November 2015, Martins gave evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee and warned of the Bedfordshire Police funding crisis.

The Daily Mirror said of his appearance at the select committee, "Mr Martins has been one of Britain's most outspoken police commissioners as George Osborne tells the Home Office to prepare for cuts of up to 40%".

[36][37] Martins was defeated by the Conservative candidate Kathryn Holloway at the 2016 England and Wales police and crime commissioner elections.