Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainee

Salary

$6,046.00 Monthly

Location

Corona, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Benefited

Job Number

2026-32-18

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

11/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DESCRIPTION

The Corona Police Department is a team of 260 dedicated professionals serving across Field Services, Investigative Services, and Support Services. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, and innovation, and driven by our vision of Excellence in Policing, we are committed to protecting and partnering with our community. We are currently seeking motivated individuals to join us as Police Officer Trainees, an entry-level role designed to prepare the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Thursday, November 12, 2026 (until 11:59 PM)

Written Exam: Week of November 16, 2026

Informational Session: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM (Optional)

One Day Testing - PAT / Interview: Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM

What We Offer - Your Benefits at a Glance

Upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T approved academy, a Police Officer Trainee may be appointed to the Police Officer classification. Below you will find an overview of the benefits not only for a Police Officer Trainee, and the changes you will see once appointed to the Police Officer classification.

• DISCLAIMER: City paid benefits shall be as set forth in the most current version of the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the City of Corona and the Corona Police Employees Association, which can be viewed on the City's website (www.coronaca.gov). In the event of any conflict between the above summary of City paid benefits and any terms or conditions set forth in the most current version of the MOU, the terms and conditions set forth in the MOU shall control for purposes of this recruitment.

Characteristics

• Integrity - Being truthful and ethical in what we do, what we say, and what we say we do in both our personal and professional lives.
• Respect - We are committed to our profession and will always respect one another and the community that we serve.
• Inclusion - We are not just diverse; we are welcoming to all.
• Teamwork - When we work together to achieve our mission, the department and community will grow stronger. Together, we are better.
• Innovation - We provide modern police services and are committed to always improving our organizational practices.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of English language including spelling, composition, and grammar.
• Familiarity with modern office equipment including computers and relevant software programs.
• Learn Basic functions, principals, and practices of law enforcement agencies including police terminology and law enforcement codes.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of Outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Education & Experience

• Completion of the 12th grade or equivalent. Education must be listed on the application to be considered complete.
• Must have the ability to successfully complete a Basic Police Academy approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License at time of appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Must be at least 20.5 years old at time of application.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

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

To view the positions complete job description, click here.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM. After reviewing applications, qualified candidates will move through a four-step selection process: the Online Written Exam, the informational sessions (optional), the One-Day Testing - PAT & Interview, and the Pre-employment Background Investigation. Candidates needing reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing process must contact the Human Resources Department no less than 72 hours prior to the test date.

An eligibility list resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill both immediate openings and future vacancies within the department.

Step 1: Online Written Exam

Qualified candidates will first be invited to complete the online written exam, which includes 108 questions covering reading, math, reasoning and analysis, writing, and human relations. Candidates will have 3 hours to complete the exam and may take it at any time before the deadline listed in their invitation email. A minimum score of 70% is required to advance to the next stage. Please note: A study guide is not provided; all instructions will be included in the exam invitation email.

Waiving the Written Exam

In accordance with POST regulations, candidates may waive the written exam by submitting one of the following with their application:

• Bachelors degree or higher - unofficial transcript must be attached to your application
• Pellet-B Score of 42 or higher taken within the last 3 years of the application date.

If these documents are not submitted along with your application, you will be invited to take the written examination and must receive a passing score in order to continue to the next step in the process.

Step 2: Informational Session (OPTIONAL)

Candidates who pass the written exam will be invited to attend an optional Informational Session. This session provides an opportunity to learn more about the Police Officer Trainee position, the City of Corona Police Department, and the overall selection process. Candidates will also have the chance to ask questions and gain insight into what to expect moving forward.

During this session, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Police Corporal and Sergeant who oversee current Police Officer Trainees, along with additional Police Department staff. They will share firsthand insight into the role, expectations, and the training environment within the department.

Two session times will be offered on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged for those who wish to better understand the position and the selection process.

Step 3: One-Day Testing: PAT & Interview

Candidates who receive a 70% or higher on the written exam will be invited to a one-day testing for the PAT (Physical agility) and in-person interview, tentaively scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2026.

Physical Agility Test Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete all of the following exercises:

• Climb a 6-ft. solid wall
• Complete a minimum 25 push-ups in one minute
• Complete a minimum 30 sit-ups in one minute
• Complete a 1.5-mile run in 13:30

Candidates who pass all physical agility components will be assigned an oral interview time on the same day. Physical agility and interview scores are combined to determine placement on the eligibility list. As openings occur, candidates on this list will be contacted to begin the pre-employment background investigation process.

Step 4: Pre-Employment Background Investigation

Successful candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, and medical exam with the Corona Police Department. Background investigation will include but is not limited to the following:

• No felony conviction(s).
• Submit to a fingerprint and criminal history check - State and Federal Bureaus.
• Good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• United States high school graduate, GED, or equivalent.
• No conviction(s) of a serious offense, or numerous convictions of minor offenses.
• Submit to a polygraph examination.
• Successfully pass a medical and psychological examination.
• Credit history check, if established, must be satisfactory.

COMMUNITY

A City whose heritage spans more than a century, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses around 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of approximately 168,100 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first-rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hours travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy such winter activities as snowboarding and skiing and such summer activities as surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on a beach. Coronas economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Corona is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policymaking and legislative authority is vested in the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members. Members of the City Council are elected by District to a four-year term. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves as the presiding officer for one year.

The City is organized into the following departments/organizational units: Community Services, City Manager's Office, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, Police, Planning & Development, Public Works and Utilities. Oversight of these departments is divided between the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers.

The Citys total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027 is $445.9 million with a General Fund operating budget of $238.3 million. Corona enjoys a workforce of 1,043 dedicated employees who provide high-quality services to its residents and visitors each day

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To view all essential duties and responsibilities, click here.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

To view all qualifications guidelines, click here.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

To view all physical/mental demands and work environment, click here.

CORONA POLICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

CITY PAID BENEFITS

RETIREMENT: Employees are covered by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The City does not participate in Social Security and the City pays the employees mandatory contribution to the Medicare Program.

The City offers two retirement formulas based on the employees current CalPERS membership status. The 3% @ 50 highest single year of service retirement formula will be applied to employees hired prior to January 1, 2013 and those current CalPERS members with no significant break in PERS-qualified employment. The 2.7% @ 57 three year average retirement formula will be applied to those employees with a significant break in PERS-qualified employment those who have not formerly been a member of CalPERS or another retirement program with which CalPERS has a reciprocal relationship.

All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA.

ANNUAL LEAVE:

Full-Time Employees: Each biweekly pay period, Annual Leave hours earned are posted to the account of each employee as follows:

YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE CITY: 1-5 Years

ANNUAL ACCRUAL: 210 hours

ACCRUAL PER PAY PERIOD: 8.08 hours

Completion of one year of service to completion of five years of service is the first level. (Please see full CPEA MOU for all of the levels)

ANNUAL LEAVE BUYBACK: The cash out or conversion of annual leave as either payment into deferred compensation, retiree health savings plan or taxable cash shall be at the employee's regular rate of pay, minus the medical insurance opt out/cash back: Conversion above 624 Hours:

At the end of the last day of the last pay period that ends in each calendar year, if an employee has accrued more than 624 hours of Annual Leave, the Annual Leave hours in excess of 624 hours will be converted to the monetary equivalent at the employee's regular rate of pay and the employee shall have the following choice:

1) to have the dollar value placed in the Nationwide Retirement Healthcare Savings Account on the employee's behalf; or

2) to have the dollar value placed in the employee's deferred compensation account (set up per IRS code section 457) or Roth IRA up to the maximum permitted by law. Any employee who chooses this option must advise Human Resources no later than December 1 each year. If the employee does not advise the City of this option by December 1, the value of the excess Annual Leave will be placed in the employee's RHS account.

HOLIDAYS: There are a total of 13 holidays for this unit. Specific days are listed in the MOU. For all City holidays, employees will either work (because it is their regularly scheduled workday or because they are working an additional shift) or be off work (because the holiday falls on their regular day off). Employees who are scheduled to work on a City holiday may request the day off and such request is subject to supervisor approval. If approved, the employee will receive holiday pay for the shift and may use annual leave or compensatory time to cover any hours scheduled above ten (10) for the shift.

DISABILITY & LIFE INSURANCE: Short-term and long term disability insurance is provided free to each employee.

LIFE INSURANCE: The City provides a term life insurance policy to each employee equal to 5 ½ times the employees annual basic earnings to a maximum, of $750,000.00.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The City currently offers a variet of HMO plans as well as several PPO plan through CalPERS.

For plan information, please view this link: Health Plan Information

The City contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) for the provision of medical insurance. All employees in the bargaining unit shall receive the CalPERS statutory minimum (i.e., the amount required under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) which is $158.00/month for calendar year 2025 and a yet to be determined amount for subsequent calendar years). The City contracts with Delta Dental to provide Dental Insurance with both an HMO and PPO plan option available for employees to choose. The City contracts with EyeMed to provide Vision Insurance for employees to choose.

If the City desires to change dental or vision carriers, the Association agrees that it will meet promptly with the City to meet and confer regarding such changes. All employees in the bargaining unit shall receive the amounts below for the purchase of health insurance. This includes medical, dental and vision insurance. These amounts include the CalPERS statutory minimum as well as an additional amount provided under the City's Section 125 Cafeteria Plan.

(1) $978 per month for Members electing Employee only coverage;

(2) $1,646 per month for Members electing Employee plus one dependent coverage; or

(3) $2,173 per month for Members electing Employee plus two or more dependents coverage.

The City's provision of funds for health insurance is provided through the Cafeteria Plan. If a Member enrolls in health benefits that cost more than provided above, they will be responsible for payment of any additional dollars for the benefits chosen.

OPT OUT: In lieu of receiving the Medical Allowance, a Member may elect to receive a monthly allocation to the Cafeteria Plan according to the following schedule:

(a) $300.00 per pay period ($600 per month) for Employee + 2 or more dependents

(b) $200.00 per pay period ($400 per month) for Employee + 1 dependent

(c) $100.00 per pay period ($200 per month) for Employee Only

DENTAL INSURANCE: The City currently offers HMO and PPO dental insurance through Delta Dental and Delta Care. Dental insurance premiums are paid by the employee.

VISION INSURANCE: The City currently offers vision insurance through Eye Med. Vision insurance premiums are paid by the employee.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM: This is a comprehensive program designed to help employees and their family members find direction in solving personal and/or emotional problems.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING PLAN: Each employee may contribute to either a medical reimbursement account or dependent care account to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. The flexible benefit plan is offered at the time of hire and at each open enrollment period.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION (457) PLAN: To supplement retirement, employees can make voluntary salary deferrals to a Nationwide plan. Employee contribution limits are defined by law.

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (RHS): To assist employees when they retire, the City offers a Retirement Health Savings plan through Nationwide PEHP. The plans allow retirees to get tax-free withdrawals from their account when used for reimbursement of qualified health care expenses. Employees hired on or after October 13, 2007 shall receive a Retirement Health Savings Account contribution of $1250.00 per quarter.

LONGEVITY PAY: In recognition of an employee's length of full-time service to the City of Corona, employees who qualify under the following schedule will receive one twenty-sixth (1/26th) of the following amounts paid biweekly as part of the regular payroll:

Police Officer

After five (5) years of service: $2,320.00

After ten (10) years of service: $3,720.00

After fifteen (15) years of service: $5,120.00

After twenty (20) years of service: $5,645.00

After twenty-five (25) years of service: $6,627.00

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Police Officers receive a uniform allowance of $132.31 per pay period. The City will reimburse members for the cost of a ballistic safety vest up to $1,150 every 5 years.

MARKSMANSHIP INCENTIVE: $16.15 per pay period, supplemental pay, for meeting the marksmanship proficiency standards established by the Police Department.

TUTITION REIMBURSEMENT: The City recognizes the value of an educated workforce and encourages employees to pursue higher education. This section provides reimbursement to unit members for tuition, e-books and textbooks for college courses leading to a job-related degree or certificate. Employees shall use their off-duty hours in the pursuit of education.

Subject to satisfaction of all criteria set forth in Article 17 for education plans approved in writing by the City after October 17, 2018, the City shall reimburse Members for the costs up to a lifetime maximum amount of $10,000 per employee. For education plans approved in writing by the City on or before October 17, 2018, the lifetime maximum shall not apply.

POST-INCENTIVE PAY: The City provides 3% over base pay for holding or attainment of Post Intermediate Certificate and 8% over base pay for holding or attainment of a Post Advanced Certificate.

BI-LINGUAL PAY: The City shall pay four percent (4%) of base pay to employees who demonstrate the ability to both understand and effectively communicate in Spanish or American Sign or another language other than English that the Police Chief deems appropriate.

To become qualified to receive this pay, an employee must be certified by the Human Resources Department after passing a certification test (an oral conversational test) established by the Human Resources Department. Employees who first become eligible for bilingual pay on or after January 1, 2022, must re-certify every three (3) years to continue to receive bilingual pay by passing the certification test.

Employees receiving this pay are required to speak the second language in the course and scope of their employment when it is necessary and may be asked to assist in translating.

OTHER SPECIAL COMPENSATION: In addition to the above mentioned special compensation, the City offers the following: Hazard and Assignment Pay and Court Assignment.

• DISCLAIMER: City paid benefits shall be as set forth in the most current version of the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the City of Corona and the Corona Police Employees Association, which can be viewed on the City's website (www.coronaca.gov). In the event of any conflict between the above summary of City paid benefits and any terms or conditions set forth in the most current version of the MOU, the terms and conditions set forth in the MOU shall control for purposes of this recruitment.

01

I acknowledge that the information provided in this job application, to include; supplemental questions, education/certification information, attachments and work history are complete and accurate and cannot be changed once the application is submitted. Please note "See Resume" is considered an incomplete response and your application will not be considered.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you at least 20.5 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

• Less than high school diploma or GED equivalent
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

04

Please select the field in which you were awarded your degree.

• Police Science
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Other Field
• I do not have a degree

05

If you selected "other field" for your degree, please indicate the field below:

06

Do you possess a valid California Class C Drivers License?

• Yes
• No
• I have a current and valid drivers license from another state

07

Do you have the ability to successfully complete a California POST Basic Academy?

• Yes
• No

08

If you are successful in completing the testing process, you will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting, polygraph examination and credit check. NOTE: Recent drug usage, theft or other illegal activity may disqualify you. Record must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and extensive traffic violations. I acknowledge this requirement.

• Yes
• No

09

Excluding juvenile convictions, arrests, detentions or court dispositions, have you ever been convicted of a felony or plead "guilty", "no contest", or convicted of any other criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide specific details for each occurrence including: 1) Date; 2) Location; 3) Charge and a description of the offense; 4) Penalty/Disposition. If this is not applicable, please type "N/A" in the box below.

11

Are you currently out on bail or on your own recognizance pending trial for a recent arrest? (Omit convictions more than two years old for violations of Cal. Health & Safety Code Sections 11357(b) for (a), 11360 (c), 11364, 11365, or 11550 as they relate to marijuana before January 1, 1976, and their statutory predecessors.)

• Yes
• No

12

Have you previously applied for the position of Police Trainee with the Corona Police Department?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Corona

Address 400 S. Vicentia Ave.

Suite #215

Corona, California, 92882

Phone 951-736-2200

Website http://www.CoronaCA.gov