In the desire to figure out a short term fix for the Detroit neighborhoods experiencing an increase in crime during this recession, here is another half baked idea:

Could a special assessment district be created for a neighborhood which would pay for a police cruiser dedicated to that neighborhood?

I realize no one wants to pay additional taxes, but if people are already paying for security and a special assessment would eliminate that cost, maybe it would work. The neighborhood could contract with the DPD or Wayne County Sheriff, so it would be an officer with real law enforcement authority, not just a security patrol.

Maybe this is already being done.