The Springfield Police Department wants to help downtown businesses stay safe.

This comes after two people suffered multiple gunshot wounds last weekend.

The Springfield Police Department is asking downtown business owners to give them more information about late-night events they may have in order to add extra patrols in the downtown area.

Downtown Springfield is home to restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Ward 5 Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase's ward is the downtown area.

“I just think that it will help with better communication. Also, too, if there are any situations that are going on, people will know who to call," Purchase said.

Purchase thinks the police department's communication with businesses will help increase safety.

"I am in total agreement. When the situation took place on Saturday night, I had a lot of phone calls not only from the businesses but the residents," Purchase said.

Assistant Chief of Police Joshua Stuenkel said the police department does get advanced warnings when the downtown area is hosting festivals and large events.

Now, he wants to see more local businesses communicating with the police.

“Recent events in the downtown area have really brought that about that we need to increase our communication with the bars and establishments in that area," he said.

Stuenkel said he is hopeful that downtown bars will want to work with the police to make the area safer.

He said the goal is to meet with bar owners and establish a line of communication.

“The goal is really to provide a safe and secure environment in the downtown area for patrons and residents," Stuenkel said.

Stuenkel said he thinks businesses will be in favor of working with the police to make Downtown Springfield safer for residents and tourists.

The Springfield Police said they are working to extend their resources more in the downtown area soon.