Put simply it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. Norfolk Crime Line relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

How tips are received 

Tips are received on the 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) tip line phone or by downloading the free mobile app P3Tips.com or by Web at www.norfolkcrimeline.com. The phone feature is a stand alone instrument which does not provide caller ID and conversations are not recorded. The police or civilian staff receiving the information completes the tips information form, makes initial inquiries and then passes the information to the investigating officer. Calls and tips are accepted regarding any publicized request for information, such as "Crime of the Week" or such other crime(s) the caller has knowledge of.

By guaranteeing a caller's anonymity Norfolk Crime Line allows the caller to give information in a positive atmosphere without the prospect of retribution. By offering cash rewards for information leading to indictment or arrests, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.

Structure and Funding of Norfolk Crime Line

Norfolk Crime Line is organized as a not for profit organization (Charity). A civilian community board of directors provides direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program. The board of directors enhances the community involvement aspect, and its function is vital to the programs success.

The Norfolk Crime Line program is funded by private donations and fund raising. NO TAX DOLLARS are involved. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fund raising and donations from concerned citizens and businesses.

A community board of directors, made up of persons from throughout the area, meets on a monthly basis to evaluate arrests and to decide on the size of rewards to be paid, up to $1,000. Rewards are then distributed in a private manner to the callers. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000, but, despite this, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

Does Norfolk Crime Line Work?

The answer is quite simply yes. Since the start of Norfolk Crime Line, many tips have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property. Tips have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug and firearm offenses.

The success of a Norfolk Crime Line cannot be purely judged on statistics, however, other benefits have come to notice:

• A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem.
• A willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity and motivation.
• Improved relationships between police, media, and the community.

Norfolk Crime Line is definitely here to stay. It has been accepted by police as a valid and effective investigative tool and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.