AUGUSTA, Ga () – We are hearing reaction from the community to the plans to step up enforcement of the downtown curfew.

While the curfew is nothing new, Sheriff Brantley wanted to reinforce the juvenile curfew right before schools are back in session.

That’s good news for some people who work and live downtown.

They say large groups of young people can quickly get out of control and cause some big problems.

“The primary concern is why parents are allowing their children out in the first place. If parents aren’t proactive, then certain situations are inevitable; it’s just a natural sequence. I regret that it has escalated to this point, but I understand the consequences,” expressed Michael Jeffhopkins Jr., a resident of Augusta.

Jeffhopkins tells me that it is nice seeing policeman out on the streets at night but wishes they were not all in one centralized area.

“It’s great to have more visibility, but sometimes it seems almost counterproductive. While having a presence is important, it occasionally feels overly monitored. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be there, but perhaps the presence should be more evenly distributed,” Jeffhopkins mentioned.

He works downtown and says enforcing the curfew is the right move.

“The issue is escalating, with youths frequently out and about. You often notice sizable groups of kids, and it’s clear they are children. There definitely needs to be some level of regulation,” Jeffhopkins stated.

The curfew on weekdays will be 11pm to 5am and 12am to 5am on weekends.