Montgomery Police Highlight Student Safety, Mental Health Response and Officer Wellness Initiatives
The Montgomery Township Police Department is highlighting several community safety and wellness initiatives, including a recent school safety presentation for middle school students, continued participation in the ARRIVE Together mental health response program, and a state grant to support officer wellness and resiliency.
The efforts reflect a broader focus on prevention, outreach and support services, both for residents and for members of the police department.
Detectives Speak With Students About Bullying, Internet Safety and Reporting Concerns
Detectives from the Montgomery Township Police Department recently conducted a school safety presentation for middle school students at Princeton Montessori School, covering topics such as bullying, internet safety, responsible phone use, digital media and reporting concerns through the “See Something, Say Something” approach.
According to the department, the interactive presentation encouraged students to make safe choices online and in their daily interactions, and to report concerning behavior to trusted adults or school staff.
“Our goal is to give students the tools to make safe, responsible decisions—whether they’re interacting with others at school or navigating the digital world,” Police Chief Silvio Bet said in the department’s release. “Bullying, online behavior, and the use of phones all have real impacts. We want students to understand that if they see something concerning, they should say something and trust that adults are here to help keep them safe.”
The department said it remains committed to proactive community outreach and student safety through education and engagement.
ARRIVE Together Program Emphasizes Mental Health Response
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the department and Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services are also highlighting Montgomery’s participation in the ARRIVE Together Program, a collaborative response model that pairs law enforcement officers with mental health professionals.
ARRIVE, which stands for Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation, pairs a Crisis Intervention Training-certified police officer with a licensed mental health clinician. The team responds to mental health emergencies, provides de-escalation support and helps connect individuals to appropriate care and follow-up services.
The program is built around the recognition that not all emergency calls are criminal in nature. Some involve individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma or other mental health challenges. The co-responder model is intended to bring both clinical expertise and public safety support to those situations.
“Programs like ARRIVE Together represent the future of policing—one that prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and the well-being of every resident,” Bet said. “By partnering with mental health professionals, our officers are better equipped to respond to individuals in crisis with the care and understanding they deserve. This program not only improves outcomes, but also strengthens the trust we are committed to building within our community.”
Nicole Crowley, ARRIVE Director for Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, said Bridgeway is grateful for its partnership with the Montgomery Police Department and credited the department with fully embracing the program. She said the integration of a mental health clinician within the department has helped address gaps in community support.
“Over time we have seen what once functioned as two separate entities, come together as one unified team for the betterment of the community,” Crowley said, adding that Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder to highlight the work of ARRIVE officers and clinicians.
Department Receives State Wellness and Resiliency Grant
The Montgomery Township Police Department has also been awarded a $39,294.10 Law Enforcement Wellness and Resiliency Grant through the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. The funding was formally presented during the state’s Excellence in Policing Awards Ceremony at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, which was attended by Bet.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office announced the 2026 Excellence in Policing Award recipients and Law Enforcement Wellness and Resiliency Grant awards in May. The state grant program received 155 applications, and 15 agencies were selected to receive a combined $500,000 for officer wellness, mental health services and resiliency initiatives.
According to the department, Montgomery’s grant will support the implementation of the Montgomery Township Police Department Wellness Initiative, a program focused on strengthening wellness, resiliency and recovery resources for sworn officers and civilian staff.
The funding will help provide onsite physical wellness and recovery resources, including fitness equipment intended to support stress reduction, physical conditioning, injury prevention and recovery from the physical and mental demands associated with police work. The department said the funding is significant because it currently lacks a dedicated wellness facility.
The grant will also support contracted professional mental health and resiliency services, including access to licensed mental health counseling for department personnel during the grant period.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the state’s award recipients reflect professionalism, service and integrity in law enforcement, while also emphasizing the importance of officer wellness.
“These award recipients represent the highest standards of professionalism, service, and integrity in law enforcement,” Davenport said in the release. “Their work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the public while strengthening trust within the communities they serve. At the same time, our continued investment in officer wellness ensures that those who serve are supported with the resources they need to remain healthy, resilient, and effective.”
Together, the three initiatives point to a broader emphasis by the Montgomery Township Police Department on education, early intervention, mental health support and wellness resources aimed at strengthening both community safety and department readiness.
Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police Department