Questions loomed after multiple callers were unable to reach the Crime Line, which is used to give police information from anonymous tipsters in exchange for a reward.
One woman, who requested to remain anonymous, said she attempted to call the number last week, but the phone kept ringing. After several rings, she said a message played that said, “memory is full.”
EverythingLubbock.com staff called the line, and had the same result. A second attempt the next day to call Crime Line was successful.
“If we’re failing, to not answer that phone, it’s critical that we do and I can correct that situation real quick,” said Crime Line President Jim Sexton.
EverythingLubbock.com reached out to Lubbock Police, who acknowledged that an issue had occurred with the phone line. LPD said the situation was resolved.
Another viewer reached out and said she had trouble reaching Crime Line to report information about a different case. She also asked to remain anonymous.
“Why would they want to have a crime line if they don’t answer the phone? They need to answer the phone. That’s what it’s for, you know? For the safety of others,” she said.
“We get probably 75 to 150 calls a month, depending on the season, and we’ve never had this situation. So if somebody has fallen asleep on the job down there, I’ll find out why,” Sexton said.
Sexton said Crime Line has paid out more than $750,000 in cash since its launch in the 1970’s.
“It would also help to have extra money come in so we could up the reward,” Sexton added. “Just like the one we just upped for the lady that’s been missing for a couple of weeks and they found blood all over her apartment and they feel like she might be gone. It’s worth the money to try to find the source and try to get them in jail.”
“It’s served a good purpose for Lubbock. And the citizens have been great,” said Sexton.
In addition to the phone line, tipsters can text LBKTIPS and their information to 274-637, or submit a crime tip to LPD by visiting LubbockPolice.com.
