Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

5.1 Introduction5.0 Services & FacilitiesThis element of the Comprehensive Plan contains “an inventory of existing and forecasted needs forthe public such as, but not limited to, educational facilities, public safety, water, sanitary sewers,libraries and community facilities.” 49 This element should be consistent with the state Guide PlanElement 110: Goals and Policies and the State Land Use Policies and Plan and other elements of theState Guide Plan that cover these facilities. The element also must be consistent with Goal 1 of theRhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act: To promote orderly growth anddevelopment that recognizes the natural characteristics of the land, its suitability for use and the availability of existingand proposed public and/or private facilities.State Guide Plan Element 110 establishes goals and policies for the physical, economic and socialdevelopment of Rhode Island including Human Resources, Economic Development, PhysicalDevelopment and Facilities and Services. The Facilities and Services goals germane to the WesterlyComprehensive Plan are:Goal 1: improvement of the quality of public educational facilities at all levelsGoal 2: coordinated development and use of the state's public water resourcesGoal 6: adequate and diverse recreational opportunities and facilities to meet the needs of the state'scitizens and to attract and serve touristsGoal 8: achievement of the highest possible standards of public health and safety in public facilitiesand servicesGoal 10: improved law enforcement and correction services and facilitiesFigure 5-1, below, shows the locations of Westerly’s public facilities.5.2 Emergency Services5.2.1 PoliceThe Westerly Police Department (WPD) has 61 full-time employees, 48 of whom are sworn officers.A new, 28,000 square foot Police Headquarters was opened September 2007 at 60 Airport Road.The new facility houses all police operations including patrol, dispatch, investigations, detention ofprisoners and administration. The facility also serves as a regional emergency operations center inthe event of a disaster. The former police station on Union Street presents many opportunities toenhance the downtown/ government center. In February 2009, the town signed a seven-year leasewith Westerly Adult Day Services for the agency to use the second floor of the facility.49 Handbook on the Local Comprehensive Plan for the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act, Update 2003Westerly, Rhode Island 71