The Minersville Police Department will officially return to 24-hour coverage on Monday, February 3, 2025, after nearly a year of reduced service due to staffing shortages.
Minersville Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers acknowledged the challenges that led to the temporary suspension of round-the-clock coverage in April 2023, marking the first time in its history that it could not provide 24/7 policing. The primary issue was a declining number of applicants for both part-time and full-time positions—an ongoing national trend affecting law enforcement agencies.
Chief Bowers, alongside Mayor Palmer, requested the addition of a seventh full-time officer to help stabilize coverage. The Minersville Borough Council approved the request, allowing the department to restructure its scheduling. The revised schedule eliminates reliance on part-time officers, reduces overtime, and ensures uninterrupted police presence in the borough.
“It was a collaborative effort between myself, my staff, and borough council, with everyone’s goal to return to 24/7 coverage being the priority,” Bowers said. “My officers were more than willing to work unconventional shifts to make sure there were no gaps in coverage. I commend them for their dedication and teamwork.”
In addition to restoring full police coverage, the department is also providing 40 hours of service per week to the Minersville Area School District with a full-time school resource officer.
Chief Bowers expressed appreciation for the borough’s leadership, highlighting their commitment to public safety. “Our mayor and borough council fully support the efforts of our police department, and they have made the safety of Minersville residents their number one priority,” he said. “While many other municipal police departments are shrinking or disbanding, we are bucking the trend—not only increasing our staffing but also enhancing the quality of service we provide.”