A new safety initiative for Downtown Augusta has been in place for more than a month now and police said it's already making a difference. The Safety Management and Response Team Unit, also known as the S.M.A.R.T Unit, started in May and results are positive.

Sheriff Richard Roundtree made the announcement back in April. The unit is made up of certified deputies and newly created community safety officers. The Sheriff's Office said these officers aren't costing taxpayers any additional money and they have helped create a safer downtown.

Downtown businesses are no longer only be visited by customers every day, but a new team of officers dressed in bright-yellow shirts.

Read more