The Corona Police Explorer Program is a partnership between the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life (L.F.L.) program and the Corona Police. The Post, which is what our group is called, is one of the oldest law enforcement Posts in the country! The program provides young men and women the opportunity to gain valuable training, experience in the law enforcement field and get a head start on a great and rewarding career. The programs emphasis is not on making "mini-police officers" but guiding future leaders with an emphasis on good citizenship with guidance from personnel at Corona PD.

It is not mandatory you want to become a peace officer to join our program. You may wish to become an Animal Control Officer, Dispatcher, member of the armed services, or a businessperson. Members will learn skills and habits that will improve decision making and leadership abilities while serving the community.

Corona Police Explorers perform a variety of community services such as: traffic control, fingerprinting children, and assist with community events and public interaction booths. Occasionally, Explorers are used to search for missing children, search crime scenes for evidence, pass out flyers, or assist in major disaster scenes.

Corona Police Explorers are not issued badges, do not participate in arrests, use force, or carry out duties which are reserved only for police officers. They are unpaid volunteers who may stop their service at any time and may be asked to leave the program at any time.

Training and benefits

Corona Police Explorers receive training and exposure in the following areas: Career Opportunities, Life Skills, Citizenship, Character Education and Leadership Experience

• Explorers may earn the privilege to participate in the Corona Police Department's ride-a-long program
• Explorers are taught and expected to practice good communication skills, leadership, and get to see first hand how a modern Police Department functions in a hands on way
• Explorers attend an Explorer Academy in late July/early August
• Explorers volunteer in a minimum of six community events a year gaining insight into community interaction.
• Explorers earn valuable community service hours which greatly assist with college entry or eligibility for City employment (Cadet, CSO positions etc.)
• Provides a solid background for potential employment or legal internships
• Attend field trips to institutions such as corrections facility or the Museum of Tolerance
• Earn letters of recommendation
• Have the opportunity to promote and take on responsibility by becoming a Squad Leader, Post Sergeant or Color Guard member
• Earn recognition from our community partners
• Earn LFL service ribbons, or the Explorer of the year award.

Membership Requirements

• Be 14-20 years of age and have completed the 8th grade
• Be enrolled in High School or College
• Maintain at least a 2.00 G.P.A.
• Commit to a minimum of one year involvement
• Have good ethical character with no negative police contact (this is not a youth criminal diversion program for mandated community service)
• Comply with the Corona Police Department grooming, uniform, and behavior standards.
• There is a substantial time commitment for our program. Explorers attend meetings weekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is critical, please note this requirement as it may conflict with other activities and attendance is mandatory. 
• Attend a mandatory Explorer Academy (live-in) in late July to early August, typically 7-14 days in duration.
• Attend six or more community events (parades etc.) a year. Typically on Saturdays.
• Participate and complete assigned research, memos, and reports
• Wear the Corona Police Explorer uniform with pride, be willing to learn and work in a team! 

How to Apply & the Process of Becoming an Explorer

• Complete and return an application along with a copy of your most recent report card to the front counter of the Police Department and wait for call. This may be a lengthy process (typically 4-8 weeks) because we wait for large pool of applicants before processing, please be patient. If under 18 a parent must also sign the application.
• Pass an oral interview
• Attend an orientation meeting with parents (if under 18), where the program's specific requirements are discussed. General information paperwork, rules, and waivers are provided at this orientation.
• Pass a background investigation, which may include: a home visit, questionnaire, and school check
• Attend four consecutive meetings as a recruit/observer before becoming an Explorer. During the orientation and observer process, explorers are encouraged to ask questions and see if they can maintain the commitment needed. Recruits do not need to purchase a uniform for their observer meetings. Just wear plain blue jeans, plain white t-shirt (tucked in), black basket weave style belt and sneakers.
• Explorers may have to pay a $30.00 registration/insurance fee annually

Contact Corona Police Explorer Advisors:

Officer E. Jones Elena.Jones@CoronaCA.gov