Nominations for law enforcement officers, citizens, organizations and companies who are making a difference in their communities are being sought for the 2016 Hampton Roads Regional Top Cop Awards Dinner.

“We’re looking for nominations from all over,” said Phil Davenport, chairperson of the event.

The event is a fundraiser for the Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Lines. The regional organization pays for the 1-888-LOCK-U-UP number that local citizens are familiar with, as well as software that assists the localities receive tips by text.

Nominations are being sought for the top law enforcement professional from each locality; the top individual, organization and corporation; and the lifetime achievement award, for which citizens and law enforcement officers are both eligible.

“It’s for anybody who’s done something outstanding in whatever field they’re in,” Davenport said.

The top cop will be named for each locality, and a committee chooses the regional awardee.

“Our committee picks who we feel is most deserving to be the top cop of the area,” Davenport said.

Davenport said 20 to 30 nominations typically come in throughout the area.

Nominations are due Aug. 1. More information about how to nominate is available at www.888lockuup.com.

Nominations should be made based on the nominee’s work from Jan. 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016. Nominations based on a single event or incident will not be considered.

The awards dinner takes place Oct. 22 at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, 425 Water St. in Portsmouth.

The dinner is the biggest regional fundraiser for the Crime Lines. Participating localities include Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Windsor, Smithfield, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, York County, James City County, Gloucester County and Virginia Beach.

The localities joined together in 1980 to share the regional number.

Crime Line boards for the individual localities raise money to pay out when tips are received that lead to an arrest. The program receives no government funding.

“All the funds come from private individuals and corporations,” Davenport said. “It’s a struggle sometimes. Fundraising is not easy anymore.”

In addition to nominations, donations for a silent auction at the event are being sought. Tickets for the event can be obtained by calling 393-8752, ext. 10.