All the Law Enforcement You Can Afford

"I knew that if we didn't hire some kind of security," says Garcia, "the good people in our subdivision would move out, and nothing but scum would move in. And then the whole neighborhood would just deteriorate."

But for Garcia, making sure the money is there to protect his property and his family almost has become a full-time job. Like many of his more affluent neighbors, Garcia would just as soon not assume the burden of ensuring his neighborhood has protection. He would prefer to see county government step up and meet its obligations to its constituents. In the meantime, he knows he has to pay or pray.

"Law enforcement is always political," says Garcia. "And it shouldn't be. Because it's lives you're talking about. All the people want is just some protection. If you can't afford it, like Marvin Zindler says, 'It's hell to be poor.'