Terry Dashner…………………………Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013

I spent decade of 1990s in law enforcement. I was a police officer in Tulsa, OK until 2003 when I retired. As a police officer, I spent 1990s learning pros and cons of Community Policing. The term essentially defines policing by a proactive means, getting to root cause of crime problem and solving it by enlisting help of all community resources—neighborhoods, schools, community service agencies, churches, politicians, and media.

Policing is still undergoing transformation from reactive policing—running from call to call without getting to heart of crime problem—to a proactive, community policing. To this day policing philosophies weigh in heavily toward one or other. On one hand it's community policing and on other it's old fashion policing—catch them, lock ‘em up, and get back on streets. Both philosophies have strong and weak points, but usually Community Policing generates most heated discussion. Why? Because it gives appearance that law enforcement personnel are soft on crime and cops don’t want to be perceived as being soft, but tough.

Does toughness in law enforcement work to reduce crime? Let’s look at some of current research. Again I quote heavily from Mona Charen’s book, Do-Gooders (Sentinel 2004). She has done her home work and is to be commended for her fine read. Says Mona, “Thanks to self-described do-gooders, America went on a compassion binge in 1960s. The compassion was extended toward poor and minorities; unfortunately, among prime beneficiaries of this tenderness were violent criminals who would go on to terrorize very poor neighborhoods whose well-being liberals supposedly sought.

2. DO discuss having children and if this is something as a couple you want to do. Also, discuss about how many children you’ll plan to have and when you’ll have them. What parenting practices will you adopt to raise your children? Who will stay at home or will both parties work? You should also define parenting roles as individuals and as a couple.

3. DO create a financial plan together. A lot of times people avoid talking about this, but you need to define financial goals and expectations beforehand. Don’t just know how much your future spouse makes, but know whole picture. Who will be in charge of balancing checkbook? Will you join your accounts or will they be separate? What are your top financial goals together? People have different spending habits and different financial styles that are often influenced by family. What happens if one spouse starts spending excessively? How will this be handled? Speak with a financial planner and retain one together.