Corona, CA – The City of Corona is pleased to announce the appointment of George Johnstone as Corona’s new Chief of Police. Chief Johnstone’s service with Corona will commence on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 following a formal pinning ceremony.
Chief Johnstone joins the City of Corona with 31 years of service in law enforcement. He began his career with the Chino Police Department as a police cadet and later as a reserve police officer. In 1991, Johnstone was hired as a police officer at La Habra Police Department, where he recently served as their Captain.Chief of Police George Johnstone
“George Johnstone is a dynamic leader with extensive experience and an impressive law enforcement career. We are honored to have George join the Corona team,” said City Manager Darrell Talbert.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Johnstone has moved up the ranks and has served on patrol, K9 Handler, detective, supervisor for the North County SWAT Team, and the police canine program. Johnstone has managed both operations and support services divisions.
Johnstone is a dedicated public servant who has earned many accolades and accomplishments, including chief’s commendations from La Habra Police Department. He received the La Habra Police Association Supervisor of the Year Award in 2003, the Distinguished Service Awards, the Life Saving Award, and Chief’s Citations.
Chief Johnstone is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Arts degree. He is also an alumnus of the FBI National Academy Class 263. Johnstone has also completed the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Course (formerly West Point Leadership) and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in vocational education from California State San Bernardino.
“I am eager for the opportunity to work with the dynamic leadership team in Corona. I look forward to supporting the police department’s men and women delivering excellent service to the community of Corona on a daily basis. The department’s community engagement and dedication to service are in alignment with my core values. I am dedicated to continuing the strong relationship between the department and the community,” said Chief of Police George Johnstone.
Recruitment for the Chief of Police position was conducted by an outside firm, Bob Murray and Associates, who specializes in executive recruitment. The recruitment process was a highly competitive, nation-wide search which resulted in 28 highly qualified applicants. The leading candidates went through an extensive interview process involving panel interviews and background investigations in which George Johnstone prevailed as the top choice for Corona.
Chief Johnstone has been married for 21 years to his wife Stephanie and they have two daughters. He enjoys the outdoors, the Red Sox and he’s a Green Bay Packers fan.
Please join us in giving Chief George Johnstone a warm welcome to the City of Corona!
About the City of Corona: Corona is located adjacent to Orange County California at the junction of the 91 and 15 freeways with a population of more than 160,000 residents. For more information regarding the City of Corona visit www.CoronaCA.gov.
