MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — We're learning new information about a possible plan for the Milwaukee Police Department to create a new office on Water Street.

City records show MPD has applied to move into the space that recently housed Duke's on Water.

The move would give MPD a permanent presence on Water Street as police and others warn of crime concerns in the area.

A man named DeShaun told CBS 58 he goes to Water Street, just not at night.

"I've been in some situations where I came up here just to have fun," he said, "and then ended up having to defend myself."

DeShaun has seen some of the issues that play out late at night on Water Street, including fights and shootings, that Milwaukee is trying to crack down on.

An MPD captain submitted an occupancy application for the former site of Duke's on Water, which closed in May.

The application says the department would use the first floor and basement 24/7 but did not specify exactly how the space would be used.

MPD is not yet discussing the plan but said in a statement, "The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is in conversation with the property investors about an appropriate public safety use of the space."

The site is directly across the street from where several food trucks often park, which Ald. Bob Bauman has said contributes to violence in the area.

Bauman has long advocated for a greater police presence there.

The department has ramped up patrols following fights and shootings in recent years.

People told CBS 58 that violence, or the threat of it, keeps them from going to Water Street at night.

DeShaun believes a police building could help.

"Maybe it will be a benefit to the city," he said. "Having more responding officers to situations when things get out of hand."

The building's former owner told CBS 58, "Hopefully that will help Water Street."

But not everyone is enthusiastic.

The ACLU of Wisconsin, already concerned about the use of Flock cameras in Milwaukee and across the state, raised concerns about overpolicing.

Jon McCray Jones, a political analyst with the ACLU, said, "I'm not sure if consistent, constant, Orwellian surveillance is a step up over actual, physical officers being there."

A member of Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission told CBS 58 they want to know more about what surveillance technology MPD would use at the building. They also said they may want to tour the space later.

There is no word yet on when or if MPD's application could be approved.

The interior of the former bar is largely stripped down and would need significant work before it could become operational.