Montgomery Police Dept Joins Forces with County Sheriff's Office for School Safety

By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | September 3, 2026

As students returned to school today, the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office are continuing a joint school safety initiative for a second year. Parents may notice an increased law enforcement visibility at local schools as officers and school administrators work together to strengthen school security.

From left: MTPD Officer Gerardo Toledo; Sheriff Officer Katelyn Kwiecinski; Sheriff Officer Erick Colonnello; MTPD Sgt Dewitt Giles; MTPD Officer Piper Ford; MHS Principal Heather Pino-Beattie; MTPD Officer Delio Coutinho; MTPD Det. Jesse Peterson; MTPD Lt Jason Larsen; MTPD Sgt Adam Verducci; MTPD Det. Thomas Connell; and MTPD Officer Joseph Sles in front of Montgomery High School.

Under the partnership, officers from municipal and county agencies will conduct routine patrols and walkthroughs at school campuses. They will also maintain communication with school administrators, and coordinate on school safety and emergency preparedness — ensuring Montgomery's schools remain safe, welcoming places to learn and grow.

Officials said the initiative is intended to provide an additional law enforcement presence while strengthening relationships among police, students, educators, and families.

“The safety of our children is our top priority,” said Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet.

“By combining our resources, personnel, and expertise with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, we are taking a proactive approach to school safety," Bet said. "This partnership strengthens our ability to deter threats, respond effectively when necessary, and provide our schools with the visible support they deserve. Most importantly, we want our students, staff, and parents to feel safe, supported, and confident in their school communities.”

From left: Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo and MTPD Chief Silvio Bet.

Bet thanked Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for continuing to provide assistance to the township police department and community.

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Somerset County Sheriff Russo emphasized the importance of a unified approach to protecting the community’s schools.The county-municipality partnership gives the agencies an opportunity to combine resources and experience in support of school security.

“Keeping our schools safe is a responsibility we all share,” Russo said. “Our goal is simple: to help create an environment where students can come to school feeling safe, secure, and ready to learn.”

Montgomery High School Principal Heather Pino-Beattie said cooperation between the school and law enforcement agencies is an important component of maintaining a safe school environment.

“For me, school safety has never been just about procedures or protocols. It is about people knowing they are seen, supported, and protected,” said Pino-Beattie.

“Our partnership with the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office reflects that belief," Principal Pino-Beattie said. "By working together, communicating openly, and being present in our schools and community, we have built relationships that make us better prepared and more connected. I am incredibly grateful for the officers who invest their time and energy in our schools and help us create an environment where students and staff can feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.”

The agencies said they will continue to evaluate the partnership and consider additional strategies and resources to improve school preparedness, communication and security.

Officials also reminded residents that school safety is a shared responsibility and encouraged students, parents, school employees and community members to report suspicious or concerning activity to law enforcement.