Tamaqua police began patrolling neighboring Coaldale in mid-September through a shared services agreement.

Coaldale had its own department until it disbanded in late 2024. It had been relying on coverage from the Pennsylvania State Police for most of 2025.

With no department, Coaldale officials had debated whether to continue with state police coverage, reinstate its own department or approach Tamaqua for shared services.

Following discussions with Tamaqua, Coaldale Borough Council voted in favor of having Tamaqua provide coverage.

The five-year contract was approved by both municipalities in September. Through it, Coaldale will pay Tamaqua about $366,000 per year.

Tamaqua hired three full-time officers, all of whom are dedicated to Coaldale and provide around-the-clock coverage. Tamaqua did not lose any police coverage through the agreement.

Coaldale residents are pleased with the coverage.

“It’s been great to hear directly from the people of Coaldale,” Tamaqua Police Chief Michael 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.”

Residents have attended Coaldale meetings to report that they often see police on patrol.

In September, Tamaqua police were dispatched to 60 calls in Coaldale, filed 33 reports and made one criminal arrest. The following month, officers had 125 calls, filed 73 reports and made three criminal arrests. In November, police had 115 calls, filed 69 reports and made two criminal arrests.

Since beginning patrols, police have addressed dozens of vehicles with violations and have had owners move the vehicles or have them towed away.

Rebuilding the police department in Coaldale would have cost around $450,000.