Montgomery Police Department, Health Department, and High School Renew Commitment to Teen Safety Initiative

By The Montgomery News Staff | September 3, 2026

Police Chief Silvio Bet announced the Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery Health Department, and Montgomery High School are continuing their joint teen safety and awareness initiative through THINKFAST Interactive, a nationally touring prevention program.

Three Montgomery High School students participating in the ThinkFast Interactive program in 2025. The MC is on the left.

Montgomery News file photo.

This school year marks the third year of the police department’s THINKFAST initiative and the second year of its three-part program at Montgomery High School. The program addresses three topics affecting local youth: internet safety, teen driver safety and distracted driving, and vaping and substance abuse.

The 2026-27 programs will be presented at Montgomery High School in October, January, and April. Each presentation will be tailored to the school’s four class levels to provide age-appropriate information on issues most relevant to students.

“Our goal is to empower our students to make smarter, more informed decisions by raising awareness,” Chief Bet said. “Education and prevention are critical components in addressing the challenges facing our youth. By engaging students in a meaningful and interactive way, we can help them better understand risks and make safer, healthier decisions.”

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Developed in 1997, THINKFAST Interactive uses a fast-paced, game show-style format to address topics including substance use, bullying, suicide prevention, traffic safety, and mental health.

Students participate through team-based activities and Audience Response Technology, including wireless keypads. The interactive format is designed to encourage participation, critical thinking, and discussion while providing students with information and decision-making skills.

Grant Funding and Community Support

The Montgomery Police Department anticipates receiving grant funding for the Teen Driver Safety/Distracted Driving program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Montgomery High School is sponsoring the Internet safety program, while the Montgomery Health Department is sponsoring Vaping/Substance Abuse from opioid settlement funds..

“The Montgomery Township Police Department is proud to partner with the Health Department and Montgomery High School to bring impactful programs like THINKFAST Interactive to our students,” Bet said. “The continuation and expansion of the initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening the safety of our school community while building positive connections with our students.”

Montgomery High School Principal Heather Pino-Beattie said the program supports the school’s focus on students’ social and emotional well-being.

“Our THINKFAST assemblies reflect our commitment to educating the whole child, not just academically, but socially and emotionally,” Pino-Beattie said. “By partnering with the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Montgomery Health Department, we’re able to bring timely, real-world topics like internet safety, teen driver safety, and substance use to life in ways that truly resonate with our students.”

The three organizations said the continued partnership is intended to strengthen prevention efforts, encourage open dialogue, and provide students with information and resources to make safer and healthier decisions.

For more information about substance abuse prevention programs or future community initiatives, contact the Montgomery Township Police Department or Montgomery Health Department.