Tamaqua police began providing coverage to Coaldale on Sunday through a shared services agreement recently signed by the two municipalities.

“It’s going really well,” Tamaqua Police Chief Michael Hobbs said at this week’s Tamaqua Borough Council meeting.

Officers have been conducting traffic stops, responding to calls and interacting with residents, he said.

It’s the first time Coaldale has had around the clock police coverage in more than nine months.

When its police force disbanded late last year, Coaldale relied on the state police to respond to incidents.

Through the recently forged shared services agreement, Tamaqua hired three full-time officers who will be dedicated to Coaldale.

Hobbs said residents are pleased to have 24/7 coverage restored.

“It’s been great to hear directly from the people of Coaldale,” Hobbs said. “Our officers are receiving a lot of positive feedback and compliments from residents who are pleased to see a more visible police presence in their neighborhoods.”

Tamaqua will not lose any of its coverage through the 5-year agreement; Coaldale is paying Tamaqua $366,000 per year for the services. The cost will increase each year to take into account cost of living and other expenses.

In a related matter, Tamaqua council voted to purchase a police vehicle for $62,700 from Miracle Ford in Tamaqua.

“This is also being funded basically through the agreement with Coaldale,” Tamaqua council President Brian Connely said.