Portsmouth Crime Line is comprised of a wide spectrum of private citizens who care about their community, offering time and work without drawing any remuneration. Their goal is to make Portsmouth a safer place to live, play, work and shop.

Portsmouth Crime Line was established in August 1981, after Portsmouth Police Sergeant Gary Smith (now retired) saw the successful program in Fairfax, Virginia (first program in Virginia). With the help of Sergeant Smith and Fairfax County Crime Solvers program, Portsmouth Crime Line was born.  After developing Articles of Incorporation and an independent set of By-Laws, our program now operates as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is a member of Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Lines board. 

The Crime Line concept has developed into a combination of efforts by local media, businesses, civic and social clubs, law enforcement agencies, and the public. Donations of airtime, newspaper space, and reward monies have established Crime Line as an effective tool to fight crime in a community. Our Crime Line board is comprised of diverse, active and dedicated community representatives who help provide a method for local law enforcement to receive information on crimes. It is our desire to continue our efforts to increase tips, which in turn increase arrests of criminals within our community.

Portsmouth Crime Line is not part of Portsmouth Police Department, nor is it run by a police coordinator assigned to assist our board of directors with filtering anonymous tips received to the appropriate detective or officer for investigation.

Each year, Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Line recognizes each jurisdiction's Top Cop. The Portsmouth Crime Line Top Cop for 2024 is Detective Mike Holley (See News & Events for photo):

The Portsmouth Police Department is comprised of a remarkable group of dedicated Officers and Detectives. Among them, Detective Mike Holley stands out for his exemplary character and tireless work ethic.

Detective Holley tackles the challenging responsibilities of investigating distressing cases of sexual assault, child abuse, and missing persons. One of his most notable achievements includes successfully investigating multiple cases of child pornography that reached Federal Court. Those cases required months of painstaking investigation and collaboration with the Assistant United States Attorney, resulting in significant sentences: 21 years for one offender and 15 years for another.

Additionally, Detective Holley has led renewed efforts within the internet crimes against children (I.C.A.C.) Task Force, addressing the alarming rise in online threats to children. Detective Holley has exceptional dedication to our community and a significant impact in the fight against child predation and violent crimes. His contributions are deserving of recognition and inspire all who strive to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.

The answer is quite simple: YES.  Since the start of Crime Line programs in Hampton Roads, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug and firearm offenses.

The success of Crime Line programs cannot be purely judged on statistical data alone, but through other benefits such as:

• A greater awareness of crime in a community
• A willingness by citizens to fight back against crime given opportunity and motivation
• Improved relationships between police, media, and citizens