Police Officer Trainee

Overview

This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

The Corona Police Department has an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Police Officer Trainee
. The department is made up of 250 employees and is organized into three divisions:
Field Services, Investigative Services, and Support Services. The mission is to ensure the safety and security of the community while maintaining trust through transparency. The Police Officer Trainee is an entry level, non-sworn training classification.

There will be two informational meetings on Wednesday, February 18th, at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Attendance is not mandatory but will help clarify the process and expectations of a Police Officer Trainee.

Upon successful completion of the POST-approved academy, a Police Officer Trainee may be appointed to the Police Officer classification. The following provides an overview of benefits for both the Trainee and the Sworn Officer, noting that City-paid benefits are governed by the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

• Salary: $72,552 (Trainee) / $96,312 (Police Officer)
• Bargaining Group:
  Not Represented / Corona Police Employees Association
• CalPERS: various member plans (PEPRA/Classic)
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave accruals
• Medical, Life Insurance, Holidays, Health Savings, and related benefits
• Bi-Lingual Pay, Post Incentive Pay, Longevity Pay, and other compensation elements
• Uniform Allowance and Safety Vest Reimbursement

Disclaimer: City-paid benefits are set forth in the current MOU and can be viewed on the City’s website. In case of conflict, the MOU controls.

• Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or equivalent. Education must be listed on your application to be considered complete.
• Knowledge of English language, spelling, grammar, and composition.
• Familiarity with modern office equipment, computers, and relevant software.

• Learn the basics of law enforcement terminology and standards.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Understand the organization of the City and related agencies as needed.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships; use tact, initiative, and judgment within policy guidelines.

• Ability to complete a Basic Police Academy as approved by POST.
• Current and valid California Class C Driver’s License at time of appointment, maintained throughout employment.
• Candidates must be 20.5 years of age at time of application.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Innovation in professional conduct and service.

This position is FLSA Non-Exempt and eligible for overtime.

The City of Corona has a multi-stage testing process. Details below outline minimum qualification requirements and testing timelines.

• Online Written Exam: 108 questions assessing reading, math, reasoning, writing, and human relations. Applicants must score 70% or higher to advance. Explanations, study guides, or directions will be provided in the invitation email.
• Physical Agility and Oral Board Interviews: Candidates scoring 70% or higher on the written exam will be invited for a single-day event including physical agility (6 ft wall climb, 25 push-ups in 1 minute, 30 sit-ups in 1 minute, 1.5 mile run in 13:30) and an oral interview. Top scorers will be placed on an eligibility list and contacted to begin the background process as vacancies arise.
• Next one-day testing: Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026.
• Written exam waiver options: Submitting a Bachelor’s Degree or higher with unofficial transcripts, or achieving a Pellet-B score of 42+ in the last 3 years may waive the written portion. If not submitted, applicants must take and pass the written exam.
• Accommodations for disabilities will be provided upon request with 72 hours’ notice.
• Successful candidates will undergo a background investigation, psychological exam, and medical exam. Background includes fingerprinting/criminal history, good moral character, and other checks; may include a polygraph and credit history check.

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, February 8, at 11:59 PM
. Selected candidates will be invited to the online exam and, if successful, to the one-day testing on February 28, 2026.

The City of Corona is a General Law city with a Council-Manager form of government. The City is organized into multiple departments, including Police. The 2026 operating budget and workforce figures are provided for context.

To view all essential duties and responsibilities, qualifications guidelines, and physical/mental demands, please review the City’s official job postings and documents.