The Peninsula Crime Line program is an effective crime fighting tool bringing together an all volunteer, citizen-based, non-profit program with law enforcement, and the media promoting community involvement in the apprehension of criminals. The program, covering the jurisdictions of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, Williamsburg and James City County, was created by local community leaders in 1982. The objective of the Peninsula Crime Line is to provide a non-threatening method for citizens to anonymously provide information to help solve crimes. Citizens remain anonymous, do not have to testify in court, and could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 if their tip results in an arrest, recovery of stolen property or seizure of illegal drugs.

The Peninsula Crime Line is supported entirely through donations from businesses, organizations and citizens. No public local, state, or federal funds are used to pay rewards for tips.

The success of the Peninsula Crime Line between 1997 and 2006 can be best illustrated by a few statistics. The total number of tips received was 7,511 resulting in 852 arrests solving 1,420 cases. The total dollar value of stolen property recovered and illegal drugs seized were $779,685. Reward dollars totaled $150,130.

Anonymous tips are provided by calling the Crime Line number 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. The Crime Line telephone line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Crime Line coordinators are responsible for answering calls Monday through Friday, 0800-1630 hours. The Crime Line coordinators will assign each caller a Crime Line code number which is used each time that person calls. Additional Peninsula Crime Line information can be obtained through the web site at www.lockuup.org.