I'm hardly qualified to participate in this sub-forum, but while I was reading the "alternate settings" sticky the Judge Dee stories popped into my head.  Judge Dee is the magistrate of Poo Yang in China.  It's kind of like CSI: Legendary China, except the investigator also holds the power of life and death over all under his administration.  However, it's mysteries, not towns and there is only one dog and his helpers, not many dogs.  I'm not sure it's a good fit, but with "ultimate authority" vested in the Judge and the mandate to maintain harmony it might be doable.  Any opinions?

Sure.  What do you think the hierarchy of sins would be like?