Yeah, my country tried to do a switcharoo in the 2000, by funding what was called 'proximity police' on the national police budget. They couldn't arrest for misdemeanor or traffic infractions, couldn't do an identity check, didn't have any weapons, were only able to call other services in case of an imminent danger, and was tasked to organise regular spelling bees, basketball/football games etc. Basically street councillors. Worked in some areas, worked less in others, still, in most areas where young people violence was an issue, it had promising results.

Turns out the police noticed and lobbied the next government into removing the department and getting all the money back for regular law enforcement.