The sheriff in Augusta say improving safety downtown should include closing a section of Riverwalk Augusta overnight, installing security cameras and creating a new tax district to increase patrols in the downtown area.

Sheriff Richard Roundtree presented his recommendations to the Augusta Commission on Monday. They come after a couple was beaten at night earlier this year at the riverwalk. Roundtree recommended closing riverwalk between Fifth and Ninth streets from 11 p.m. until sunrise. He said that would give officers probable cause to ask people why they were in the area after closing.

The sheriff also recommended installing 32 cameras along Broad Street. He estimated that would cost about $342,000. He also proposed creating a special tax district to provide funds for extra patrols.

Tags: Augusta, Richmond County, riverwalk, Augusta Richmond County, Augusta downtown, Richmond County Sheriff, richard roundtree, augusta riverwalk