Montgomery Police, Schools Partner to Expand Teen Awareness Programs

Nicholas Mistretta

Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet has announced a renewed partnership between the Montgomery Township Police Department, the Montgomery Health Department, and Montgomery High School to bring a nationally recognized teen prevention and awareness program to students.

The initiative will feature THINKFAST Interactive, a touring program designed to engage teens in meaningful discussions on difficult topics through an entertaining and interactive format. Montgomery High School will host three workshops throughout the school year—covering bullying and mental health, teen driver safety and distracted driving, and vaping and substance abuse.

“These programs are custom-tailored and age-relevant, specifically targeting each of the school’s four classes,” Chief Bet said. “Our goal is to empower our students to make smarter, more informed decisions by raising awareness.”

First developed in 1997, THINKFAST blends evidence-based prevention strategies with high-energy engagement. Using wireless keypads, team competition, and interactive media, the program holds student attention while addressing issues such as underage drinking, drug use, suicide prevention, traffic safety, and mental health. The program aims to inspire long-term positive behavioral change by pairing important content with age-appropriate entertainment, elaborate staging, and a charismatic host.

Grant funding is anticipated to cover the teen driver safety component of the program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. The Montgomery Health Department will sponsor the vaping and substance abuse program, while Montgomery High School will support the bullying and mental health session.

Chief Bet emphasized the program’s importance in building trust and resilience within the community:

“The expansion of the THINKFAST initiative symbolizes our continuing commitment to increasing the safety of our school community while building positive connections with our students.”

The first workshop is scheduled to take place at Montgomery High School in October, with additional sessions to follow in January and April.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com