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 2025 is Officer James Fuller:

Officer James Fuller exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement through his professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to public safety. On August 7, 2004, Officer Fuller responded to a Domestic Assault involving a juvenile victim. Although the crime occurred outside of his jurisdiction, Officer Fuller took the initiative to coordinate with the appropriate agency and ensure the child's safety.

On February 2, 2005, during traffic enforcement near Piedmont Avenue and Palmer Street, Officer Fuller conducted a stop on a vehicle with fictitious tags. The driver fled, but Officer Fuller apprehended him without injury. A search revealed a firearm, 13.5 grams of cocaine, 109 capsules of suspected Fentanyl, 13 baggies of suspected heroin, and $310 in cash. The suspect was charged with multiple felonies, a dangerous individual was removed from the street, and deadly narcotics were removed from the community.

On June 12, 2025, Officer Fuller responded to a dispute on Tareyton Lane, where a woman sat in her car with a visible firearm. As Officer Fuller approached the car, she brandished the firearm, yelling, "Shoot me!" Rather than escalate, Officer Fuller remained a calm compassionate presence. Through steady communication and the use of de-escalation techniques, the woman surrendered peacefully, preventing a potentially fatal outcome.

These three incidents, although very different in nature, reflect Officer Fuller's courage, empathy and exceptional judgement. His ability to blend proactive enforcement with restraint and compassion makes him an extraordinary asset to the Portsmouth Police Department and the citizens he serves. 

Please see our EVENTS section for information on National Night Out and the 2026 Golf Tournament!

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