Coaldale could have regular police patrols before the end of the summer through a shared service contract with Tamaqua.

“They are in the process of doing interviews” for police officers, council Vice President Kim Gavornik said.

Once interviews are complete, she said, the next step is for potential candidates to take civil service exams.

“So when do you think we might have (police)?” council President Claire Remington asked.

“They’re looking — if all goes well — by the end of August,” Gavornik said.

Coaldale has been without its own force since the beginning of the year.

Since then, the borough has been relying on Pennsylvania State Police for coverage.

After much discussion, council decided earlier this year to enter into a shared services agreement with the Tamaqua Police Department. The other options were to remain with state police or to bring back a Coaldale department.

The coverage is expected to cost $366,000 for the first year.

Bringing back a Coaldale department would require a minimum of five officers at a cost of about $344,000 plus expenses like insurances and overtime pay.

Three officers will be hired by the Tamaqua department and will be dedicated to Coaldale.

Tamaqua will not lose any coverage through the new agreement.