Overview of the National County Lines Coordination Centre’s Efforts

Melanie Barr, Head of Analysis, National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), Metropolitan Police, joined us at our National Combatting Gangs, Violence and County Lines Conference 2023. The NCLCC is engaged in comprehensive data collection and analysis related to county lines across the country. The centre gathers data from various forces to produce essential Home Office statistics and reports, aiming to standardise the recording and reporting of county lines activities nationwide. Read the summary below or watch the full presentation above.

Definition and Characteristics of County Lines

A county line refers to a business model for selling drugs, characterised by four main elements: communication, movement, violence, and vulnerability.

• Communication: Involves mass communication methods such as mobile phones, social media, and QR codes.
• Movement: Drugs are transported across streets or estates, often by vulnerable individuals or children, without the necessity of crossing borders.
• Violence: Used to coerce and control individuals involved in the county line, as well as to maintain control over territories.
• Vulnerability: Primarily affects chronic drug users, such as heroin and crack cocaine addicts, as well as vulnerable adults and children used within this model.

Related article: How Multi-Agency Partnerships are Tackling Drug Trafficking in the UK

WATCH: The Met Police Respond to County Lines & Child Exploitation

Tackling County Lines Exploitation in HMPs with The Met & ERSOU

Evolution and Current Trends

Initially, county lines involved major cities exporting drugs to smaller areas, a pattern that has persisted for decades but was only properly documented since 2018. Currently, we observe more localised lines and increased complexity, with towns exporting drugs to other towns and more strategic exploitation of vulnerable individuals (National Crime Agency, 2024).

Communication and Drug Types

The methods of communication have evolved from bulk text messages and calls to include social media and location-based apps. Although heroin and crack cocaine dominate, recent operations have uncovered a broader range of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, edibles, GHB, ecstasy, and prescription drugs. Improved data recording of all drug types is necessary (Home Office, 2024).

Roles and Legislation

County lines operate with specific roles, including line holders and runners, the latter being the most vulnerable due to the high risk and harm involved. We are advocating for the use of modern slavery legislation to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce their attractiveness as a workforce (National Crime Agency, 2024).

Task Forces and Prison Collaboration

Various task forces operate across the country, focusing on both exporting and local forces. Currently, there are over 6,000 county lines prisoners, often charged with related offences like possession with intent to supply or violence. This cohort includes a significant number of young offenders and individuals aged 22 to 29, with many held for serious violence and weapons offences (Gov.uk, 2024).

Strategies and Future Directions

To mitigate violence and vulnerability within the county lines business model, we are developing better strategies and working closely with prisons. County line behaviours observed outside are mirrored within prisons, necessitating the sharing of data to manage this cohort effectively (Home Office, 2024).

This summary provides an insight into the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by the National County Line Coordination Centre in addressing the complex issue of county lines across the UK. This was presented at our National Combatting Gangs, Violence and County Lines Conference 2023. To hear the latest insights, make sure to sign up to our latest event below.

References

• National Crime Agency. (2024). County Lines. National Crime Agency.
• Home Office. (2024). County Lines Programme. Home Office.
• Gov.uk. (2023). County Lines: Criminal Exploitation of Children and Vulnerable Adults. Gov.uk.

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