I visited Augusta this weekend to apartment hunt. So many longterm residents told me to avoid going downtown alone EVER. EVEN DURING THE DAY!!! & to avoid the mall alone as well.
Is it THAT dangerous? What is the safety risk? Like what is going on?!
I’m now planning to do north Augusta because the vibes seem completely different over there
Come for self care. Feel alive. Meet new friends.
All clean fun means even party goers that are not yet of drinking age can come and enjoy the non alcoholic drinks, the food and the live music. Yeah Cult is genre fluid. We will take you on an adventure with our songs and make you feel. See you on May 22 at Royal Tea. We start at 7pm. Here's the event link: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLFWTXPXR3Z3D/checkout/VI7H3HFASERDOAIN3U7OPHCC
Hey all,
I got invited to interview at Academy of Richmond County and am curious to know more about the school! I currently live out of state in Chicago, any info helps!
The expansion of "Flock" surveillance in downtown Augusta is part of a broader trend involving Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and AI-powered tracking. Here is a more detailed breakdown of why these systems are controversial and the specific risks they pose:
1. Beyond License Plates: "The Condor" and Vehicle Fingerprinting
Modern surveillance has evolved past simply reading numbers on a plate. The latest technology, such as Flock’s "Condor" cameras, uses AI to create a "vehicle fingerprint."
Detailed Identification: The system can search for a "silver Mercedes station wagon with a roof rack and a specific bumper sticker," allowing police to track cars even without a clear plate.
Pedestrian Tracking: New cameras are designed to detect and follow people (PTZ - Pan, Tilt, Zoom), utilizing AI to automatically zoom in on activities like a couple arguing or a person jogging.
2. Mass Surveillance & The "God-Like" Power
When hundreds of these cameras are networked, they create a traceable path of movement across an entire city.
Pattern Analysis: By recording every vehicle, law enforcement can determine where you live, where you work, and your daily routines without a warrant.
Network Effect: Data isn't just local. Agencies can share their feeds with a nationwide network, meaning a small-town police department could potentially access data from across the country.
3. Serious Security Vulnerabilities
Investigations have revealed that these systems are not always as secure as advertised:
Publicly Exposed Feeds: Dozens of cameras have been found streaming directly to the open internet without password protection. This allows anyone to watch live footage of playgrounds, residential streets, and parking lots.
Data Manipulation: In some cases, the lack of encryption meant that an unauthorized user could theoretically delete evidence or footage with the press of a button.
4. Documented Misuse and "Flock Stalking"
The most direct threat to individuals comes from the abuse of these databases by people with authorized access.
Romantic Stalking: There have been at least 14 documented cases of police officers using ALPR systems to stalk romantic interests, ex-partners, or even strangers they found attractive.
Frequent Access: In one instance, an officer tracked a partner and her ex 180 times over a two-month period.
Lack of Oversight: Most of these abuses were only caught after the victims reported the behavior, rather than through the company's internal "safeguards".
5. Legal & Ethical Concerns
Fourth Amendment Challenges: Critics argue that "always-on" government surveillance violates the protection against unreasonable searches. While a single photo of a car in public is legal, a permanent record of every movement is a significant invasion of privacy.
The Hawthorne Effect: Constant surveillance changes human behavior. People are less likely to act naturally or engage in "healthy escapism" (like dancing or sitting in a park) when they know they are being recorded.
For those interested in mapping or reporting these cameras:
Websites like DeFlock.me and Have I Been Flocked allow residents to document camera locations and, in some jurisdictions, check if their license plate has been searched in public audit data.
Referenced Resources:
The police's terrifying new cameras
Flock Camera Leak & Security Risks
Police Misuse & Stalking Reports
And sorry to last nights drivers around 11 pm witnessing me walk back and forth looking like a mad woman holding a flash light
I’ve been wanting to quit retail for a while and start pursuing my passion. Im going to school for fine arts with a concentration in sculpture and ceramics. I want a job where i can pursue that while in school, so I will be that much more prepared when I graduate. I know of a couple studios or galleries to reach out to, but haven’t had a whole lot of luck. Anything with instructional or just studio operations is preferable, but I am open to any and all suggestions or leads people may have.
Where in the Augusta area (other than Goodwills) are good for thrifting items for a new baby? I'm looking less for clothing and more for supplies.
Can anyone recommend a company that has good service and reasonable prices for HVAC replacement? What is a normal/expected price range in Augusta for HVAC replacement a 2000 sq foot house?
Hello! I wanted to come on here and see if any places were hiring servers?? I am new to the area and looking for a job!! I would prefer some places locally owned but any idea of any places is good! Let me know Reddit!!
I am preparing to move to Augusta for the school Augusta University and their nursing program. I'm very excited yet nervous , I've been to Augusta for military reasons (my dad is military) and I just go back to the metro Atlanta area , but I'll be staying in Augusta for 16 months and wanted to know more about the school and living in Augusta.
Hey all,
Just moved to the area recently and I have an affinity for board games, particularly heavy strategy like Twilight Imperium or Star Trek Ascendancy (I have both, and just recently got the second expansion for TI). Is there any good places to find a group? I have a broad range of interest, and love playing games like the aforementioned, as well as Scythe, Everdell, and everything inbetween. If you have a any recommendations, or would be interested in setting up a Saturday to play, let me know. Thanks all!
Does anyone have a local handyman they can recommend for drywall repair? My friend just moved to Texas for a new job and knocked a small hole in the wall. Looking to get it patched up so I can rent the room again.
I'm looking for places to buy plant clippings, cutting, starters or small plants. Hoping for somewhere local to the area and trying to keep the cost minimal. If anyone has any to share near Hephzibah, I'd love to take a look!
I was at Pendleton King Park Sunday (yesterday) at ~10 am.
A very “normal” looking man approached me and sat against a brick wall I was nearby (looking to be 40’s perhaps).
He was talking about how he recently got a divorce and how his wife used to hold his legs while he did sit ups and asked if I would help.
I declined and continued to journal.
He tells me his name is Robert and I asked him what his last name was out of curiosity (my dad’s name is Robert and a very common last name, I was just curious if they had the same exact name by chance). I learned his name is Robert James if he’s being truthful.
He ended up talking to me for maybe around 5 minutes. I began getting pretty weird feels from him and reach a point of being so invested in my journal that I’m no longer looking in his direction.
I look up to find him about 20 feet away from me, staring me down and touching himself fully exposed.
I screamed, ran to my car, and called the police.
I am saying this to make everyone aware this man is out there. It doesn’t feel like that’s the first time he’s done that, or the last.
I would estimate ~40’s while male. dark and super short hair, athletic build.
He said his name is”Robert James”. It felt to me he had ran to the park, and likely lives nearby.
Beware and if you know who I am talking about please reach out. I would like to make sure this man doesn’t do this to someone else again.
Old, mostly retired, single gay guy here. I've lived my life geographically between Atlanta & Baltimore with the greatest amount of time spent (including now) in NC. I'm looking to buy a small place outright, but have somewhat limited funds. There are a couple of towns in eastern NC I'm considering as well as Augusta. I've been there several times, but don't really know anyone there to talk about these considerations. My biggest concern about Augusta is the people there. I'm educated, liberal, and not religious. I don't troll bars or anything of that nature anymore, but would like some friends. My mind keeps imagining rednecks in raised trucks and evangelicals harassing me or feeling awkward in social settings there. I don't play golf either! I'm more likely to enjoy biking & kayaking, antique hunting, finding a few interesting restaurants, and maybe a little political canvasing. I don't want to move there and then realize 6 months later that I'm just an outcast. Is Augusta really as difficult as I've read on Reddit?
I've worked in the customer service industry for 10 years and it has taken a toll on my mental so I'm trying to find a remote work from home job to help me get through college so I can pursue a different career. Any suggestion helps.
I just wanted to share the positive results I've gotten from using decoy Hornets nest and fake dragonflies. At the beginning of the season , I couldn't enjoy my patio because there were so many wasps this year who found my patio to be prime real estate. first I put up the hornet nests (crochet style). The first day - I thought, oh no, I think I may have just provided them with a ready made home but after 4 days they all left, except for one ,who I named pestering pete. He was determined to claim squatters rights. I then added large dragonflies. this has kept pete away. He will do an occasional drive by but he doesn't linger. It also helped deter a carpenter bee who was boring in an unpainted beam. Total cost $20. I have 3 faux nests and 17 dragonflies. I can now enjoy my patio.
It took a good week to work but it definitely works and they are super cute too. It's supposed to also work with mosquitoes but I'm not holding breath on that.
Hi Friends, I recently moved to Augusta and I'm a bit of a tree nerd. I've read that the Southern Live Oaks are some of the oldest, biggest specimens around and I would love to see one.
Does anyone have a tree they could recommend? Happy to drive within a half-hour distance of Augusta, let me know where I can find some beautiful old Oaks!
I have two cats I’ve had for 3 years or so they are very loving cats just under circumstances I can’t keep them. They are looking for a welcoming home they aren’t great with other cats or dogs but they have each other and it would tear me apart to separate them. I really need help I can drop them off if anyone is interested they love to watch outside from the windows and they are super playful.
I just want them to have a loving home.
Please contact me at +12709455977