Get Informed > FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Crime Solvers of Fairfax County has served this community since 1979 on a foundation of trust, anonymity, and civic engagement. The questions below reflect what our community most wants to know. If you do not find what you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Submitting a Tip
How do I submit an anonymous tip in Fairfax County?
You can submit an anonymous tip online or by phone through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County’s secure tip system, powered by P3Tips. No personal information is required. Tips are forwarded directly to the Fairfax County Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center. Submit a Tip Now >>
Are tips really anonymous?
When you submit a tip through Crime Solvers, we do not collect your name, phone number, email address, or IP address. Your identity is protected throughout the entire process, by both our commitment and Virginia law.
What types of tips should I submit?
You can submit tips about unsolved crimes, wanted individuals, suspicious activity, drug activity, trafficking, and any information that could help law enforcement solve or prevent a crime in Fairfax County. If you are unsure whether your information is useful, submit it anyway. Our team reviews every submission.
What happens after I submit a tip?
Once submitted, law enforcement at the Fairfax County Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center securely reviews your tip. If additional information is needed, investigators may communicate with you anonymously through the P3 system using your unique code number. Submit a Tip via P3Tips >>
Cash Rewards
Can I receive a cash reward for my tip?
Yes. Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest, the filing of charges, recovery of property, or seizure of illegal drugs may qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
How do I receive a reward if I submitted anonymously?
If your tip qualifies for a reward, you will receive secure instructions through the P3 system. Rewards are issued in cash at a designated bank using only your code number. No ID is required and no court appearance is required.
Is there a set reward amount?
Reward amounts vary based on the significance of the information provided and the outcome of the investigation, typically ranging from $100 to $5,000.
Do I have to go to court to claim my reward?
No. You are never required to testify or appear in court to receive your reward. Your anonymity is fully protected throughout the entire process.
Do I have to report the reward as income?
No. Rewards paid through the Crime Solvers program do not need to be reported to anyone.
About Crime Solvers of Fairfax County
What is Crime Solvers of Fairfax County?
Crime Solvers of Fairfax County is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps solve crimes by encouraging anonymous tips and offering cash rewards for information that leads to arrests. Formerly known as Fairfax County Crime Solvers, we have served the Fairfax County community since October 1979, making us the oldest Crime Solvers program in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Is Crime Solvers part of the police department?
No. Crime Solvers is a fully independent nonprofit that works in close collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, but operates separately. We are neither funded nor run by the police department. The funds to operate our program come entirely from community donations and fundraising events. Together, Crime Solvers and the Fairfax County Police Department form a strong and effective alliance dedicated to public safety, while maintaining clear financial and jurisdictional independence.
Are tips exclusive to Fairfax County?
Yes. While our supporters and donors may come from across the region, Crime Solvers’ crime-reporting services are focused on Fairfax County. However, because crime does not respect borders, a safer Fairfax County means a safer community for the hundreds of thousands of people who live, work, and travel through our area.
Community Safety and Impact
How do anonymous tips help reduce crime?
Anonymous tips remove the fear and hesitation that often prevent people from coming forward. By guaranteeing complete anonymity, Crime Solvers gives every member of our community a safe way to share what they know, allowing law enforcement to act more quickly and effectively. Since 1979, tips received through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County have led to the arrest of more than 2,000 criminals and fugitives and the closure of thousands of cases.
Does Crime Solvers work?
Absolutely. In 2025 alone, we received 643 tips, the highest annual total in program history, with 100% assigned and fully closed. More than $240,000 in cash rewards have been paid to tipsters since the program began. The results speak for themselves.
Donations and Support
How is Crime Solvers funded?
Crime Solvers is funded entirely through donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising. No tax dollars are used to fund the program or pay rewards. Every dollar comes from neighbors, businesses, and partners who believe in the mission.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Crime Solvers of Fairfax County is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. EIN: 31-1714056.
Where does the reward money come from?
Reward funds are raised entirely through community donations and fundraising events. When you donate to Crime Solvers, you are directly funding the rewards that make anonymous tips possible and keep our community safe.
Trust and Privacy
Does Crime Solvers share tipster or donor information?
Never. All anonymous tip submissions and donor information are kept strictly confidential and are never sold or shared with any third party. Crime Solvers never receives identifying information about who placed a tip or who received a reward. Anonymity, dignity, and the protection of every person who comes forward are among our highest commitments.
Is my anonymity protected by law?
Yes. In addition to our own commitment to protecting your identity, your anonymity as a tipster is protected under Virginia law. You will never be asked to reveal who you are, appear in court, or provide any identifying information at any stage of the process.
Still Have Questions?
We want to hear from you. Whether you have a question about submitting a tip, claiming a reward, supporting our mission, or getting involved in your community, our team is here to help.
Every question matters. Every conversation strengthens our community.
