This is what pretty much every other country in the world does, so yes.
For fucks sake (talking to the US in general), the police were never meant to have full responsibility for every aspect of people’s lives.
Just off the top of my head, things that would significantly cut down on crime:
- Schools needs more and better teachers, nurses, therapists, and guidance councilors
- There needs to be more federally (or locally) funded after-school options for kids, keeping them away from the streets and gangs
- Those who struggle either at home or at school needs free follow-up, be it via extra tutoring, child protection services, or whatnot
- Youth drug abuse or drug dealing needs to be treated with the goal of rehabilitation and re-introduction into society instead of the 3-strike rule
- Rehab for hard addicts should be offered free of charge
- Decriminalize weed, but create fucking Gulag-style labor camps for those who deal crack or heroin
- Way stricter gun laws
- Higher minimum salary