Richland generally saw a drop in crime last year over 2011.

There were no murder or non-negligent manslaughter cases in 2012, compared with one in 2011. Several other crimes -- from sex offenses to aggravated assault to burglaries -- also were down.

Robberies were up, from about 8 in 2011 to 13 last year.

The crime statistics are part of the Richland Police Department's 2012 annual report.

Police Chief Chris Skinner presented the document Tuesday to the city council. It's the first-ever annual report for the department, which has about 73 commissioned officers and civilian staff. "This will be one of many to come," said Skinner, who came on board in mid-2011.

The report touches on everything from the department's mission to the work of units from traffic safety to the bomb squad. It also highlights some changes made in the department last year, including a shift to so-called "geo-based policing" that ties officers to districts within the city.

"The outcome is not only police officers who learn and understand the unique challenges within their district, but also a closer connection with those who reside within their district, as well," the annual report says.

The department in 2012 also implemented a dedicated traffic safety unit to address growing concerns about congestion on the bypass highway, as well as on George Washington Way, the report says.

It notes that Richland is home to about 49,000 residents, but "we are acutely aware that our average daytime population is closer to 60,000" because of the park system and large employer base, including many who work at Hanford.

The traffic safety unit investigated 265 collisions, made 2,175 traffic stops and issued 1,598 infractions and 577 verbal warnings, the report says.

The department also launched Richland Shield last year, a website that allows residents, business and police to share crime information. Skinner described it as another innovation that made 2012 a successful year for his department.

The report includes numerous other highlights from 2012. Among them:

-- The department saw 25,964 calls for service in 2012.

-- The street crimes unit took the lead in an investigation culminating in 2012 that cracked a crime ring responsible for vehicle prowls, burglaries and other crimes throughout the Tri-Cities.

-- The bomb squad responded to 31 calls regionally, including for suspicious packages, old dynamite, grenades and pipe bombs.

-- A total of 3,474 items were received into the evidence and property room.

-- Four reserve officers volunteered 2,308 hours.

-- Members of Volunteers in Police Service logged 6,518 hours.