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Breaking the Lines: Addressing County Lines from Multiple Perspectives

  • Thursday, 08 February 2024
  • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • 08:30 - 16:30
100
Conference
Attendees
8
CPD
Credits
14
Expert Speakers
10
Sponsors & Supporters
  • Overview

The issue of County Lines is one of the most challenging and complex facing UK law enforcement, social services and public health agencies today. This insidious form of drug trafficking extends its influence into our communities, schools and even our homes, exploiting the vulnerable and leaving a trail of social and economic disruption in its wake. Addressing this challenge requires not just a deep understanding of the problem, but also a comprehensive, multifaceted and collaborative approach.

"Breaking the Lines: Addressing County Lines from Multiple Perspectives" is a one-day conference aimed at bringing together key stakeholders across sectors - including law enforcement, academia, the National Health Service (NHS) and local government - to explore the complexities of County Lines and discuss innovative strategies to tackle this problem.

This conference will not only provide an opportunity to delve into the underbelly of County Lines, exploring its digital, psychological, social and economic dimensions, but also showcase practical case studies from Leeds, Glasgow and London. These sessions aim to examine how theoretical insights are translated into grassroots approaches, law enforcement strategies and community initiatives, providing a comprehensive picture of current practices and future possibilities.

Moreover, it offers a platform for stakeholders to share their insights, discuss challenges and solutions and most importantly, build networks and partnerships for collaborative action against County Lines. From our keynote addresses to our interactive Q&A sessions and networking breaks, every aspect of this conference is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and productive engagement.

Together, we can break the lines that divide our communities and unite to create a safer, healthier and more secure UK for all. Join us for a day of in-depth discussions, illuminating insights and collaborative networking as we take the fight to County Lines.

Event Supporters

  • Event Programme

08:30

Registration and Coffee in the Networking Area

09:25

Chair's Opening Address

09:30

Keynote Address Speaker

"County Lines: An Overview and Way Forward"

This keynote address sets the stage for the conference by providing an in-depth overview of the issue of County Lines. It explores the various facets of this complex issue and outlines a roadmap for the way forward. The speaker will shed light on the current state of County Lines, discuss the challenges faced in tackling this issue and suggest comprehensive, innovative strategies for addressing it.

09:50

Session 1

"Criminal Networks and the Digital Age: Understanding the New Facets of County Lines"

This session explores how county lines operations have adapted to and exploit digital technologies. It considers the implications for law enforcement and cybersecurity, as well as the broader social impacts of these changes.

10:10

Session 2

"Psychosocial Factors and County Lines: A Deep Dive"

This session delves into the psychosocial factors that make individuals, particularly youth, susceptible to involvement in county lines. It explores the role of education, social services and community support in addressing these factors

10:30

Headline Sponsor

10:50

Question and Answer Session

Allocated planned time for speakers to receive questions from the audience and induce further discussion.

11:00

Networking Break and Coffee

11:45

Case Study

12:05

Session 3

"Innovative Law Enforcement Strategies Against County Lines"

Law enforcement faces significant challenges in tackling county lines. This session discusses innovative strategies and methods employed by law enforcement agencies, their effectiveness and how these strategies can be further developed.

12:25

Case Study

12:45

Session 4

"Education and Prevention: Schools' Role in Countering County Lines"

Schools play a crucial role in preventing youth involvement in county lines. This session explores how educational institutions can contribute to tackling this issue, focusing on education policies, awareness programs and collaborations with law enforcement and social services.

13:05

Question and Answer Session

Allocated planned time for speakers to receive questions from the audience and induce further discussion.

13:15

Lunch in the Networking Area

A hot, two-course lunch consisting of multiple options will be provided for delegates. We cater for all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten/dairy-free; just notify us ahead of time should you have any allergens or requirements.

14:15

Chair’s Afternoon Address

14:20

Case Study

14:40

Session 5

"Tackling County Lines: A Public Health Perspective"

This session discusses the public health impacts of county lines and how a public health approach can contribute to tackling this issue. It covers aspects such as drug addiction, mental health, community health and the role of healthcare services.

15:00

Session 6

"The Role of Housing Policies in Addressing County Lines"

Housing policies and conditions can indirectly influence the operations of county lines. This session explores the links between housing, socio-economic conditions and county lines and discusses how changes in housing policies can contribute to addressing this issue.

15:20

Question and Answer Session

Allocated planned time for speakers to receive questions from the audience and induce further discussion.

15:30

Afternoon Refreshment Break

15:40

Session 7

"Understanding the Role of Social Media in County Lines Operations"

This session will delve into the intersection of social media and county lines. It will explore how criminal networks are using social media platforms for recruitment, operation and maintaining control and discuss the challenges these platforms present for law enforcement and prevention efforts. The speakers will highlight potential strategies to counteract these digital tactics and discuss the role of technology companies in this issue.

16:00
  • Evan Jones, Head of CE Development, St Giles Trust (confirmed)
"Supporting Victims and Survivors of County Lines: Effective Rehabilitation and Reintegration Strategies"

County Lines not only result in criminal activity but also produce numerous victims and survivors who need support. This session will focus on understanding the needs of these individuals and what can be done to help them recover and reintegrate into society. The discussion will cover both short-term and long-term support strategies, including mental health services, education and employment opportunities and community support systems. The speakers will emphasize the role of various stakeholders, including the NHS, social services and local communities, in providing these support mechanisms.

16:20

Question & Answer Session

Allocated planned time for speakers to receive questions from the audience and induce further discussion.

16:30

Chair's Closing Remarks and Conference Close

  • Register for event

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  • Contact Details
  • News
  • Supporters
  • Venue
  • Featured Events
  • Downloads
  • Who will attend

Contact Details

News

  • Ann Coffey's Speech on Risks of Exploitation facing Looked After Children

    • Posted on 20 December 2019
    • by Ann Coffey
  • Safeguarding Children: Finding Solutions for Better Protection - Event Report

    • Posted on 25 May 2018

Supporters

Venue

Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre

Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre

Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre is the ideal solution when searching for conference venues in Manchester. Top-of-the-range conference suites, 3 star value hotel accommodation, delicious dining and friendly service are the ideal components for a successful conference or event in the heart of the city centre.

The 18 conference rooms are decked out with all the mod cons including state-of-the-art AV technology, projectors and screens, free Wi-Fi and flip charts. Our clients cover the whole spectrum and include government organisations, trade unions, large corporate companies, non-profit organisations, health and education sectors and small to medium-sized businesses.

From the get-go we strive for excellence in everything we do and our dedicated team of conference professionals go all out to make sure your conference, event or exhibition runs like clockwork.

Featured Events

  • Looked After Children: Improving Life Chances

    • 05 December 2018
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Looked After Children 2022

    • 07 July 2022
    • 08:30 - 15:30
    • Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
  • Looked After Children-Promoting Equality of Opportunity

    • 08 December 2022
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Children in Care-Equality & Empowerment

    • 08 June 2023
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Safeguarding Children: Promoting Welfare-Preventing Harm

    • 23 May 2019
    • 08:30 - 15:45
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Safeguarding Children: Finding Solutions for Better Protection

    • 24 May 2018
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
  • Safeguarding Children: Effective Collaboration for Child Protection and Wellbeing

    • 11 May 2017
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
  • Safeguarding Children: Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation

    • 22 April 2015
    • 08:30 - 13:30
    • The Place Aparthotel, Manchester
  • Safeguarding Children 2022

    • 15 June 2022
    • 09:30 - 15:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Safeguarding Children

    • 22 March 2022
    • 09:00 - 16:00
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Safeguarding Children 2023-London

    • 16 March 2023
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • The Royal National Hotel, London
  • Safeguarding Children: Promoting Welfare-Protecting from Harm

    • 28 March 2024
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • The Royal National Hotel, London
  • Safeguarding Children: Delivering a More Effective and Robust System

    • 28 September 2023
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre

Downloads & Resources

  • Open Forum Events Sponsorship Brochure
    Open Forum Events offer a number of partnership, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities that can meet your marketing and business development needs.

who will attend

 

  • Law Enforcement:

    • Detective Inspector
    • Police Commissioner
    • Crime Prevention Officer
    • Community Liaison Officer
  • Academia:

    • Professor of Criminology
    • Senior Lecturer in Social Policy
    • Research Fellow in Cybersecurity
    • Postdoctoral Researcher in Public Health
  • National Health Service (NHS):

    • Public Health Consultant
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Consultant in Adolescent Medicine
    • Director of Housing
    • Cybersecurity Expert

 

 

  • Local Government:

    • City Councillor
    • Community Safety Manager
    • Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, and Young People
    • Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing
  • Others:

    • Social Worker
    • Youth Services Coordinator
    • Nonprofit Director
    • School Principal or Head Teacher
    • Policy Advisor
    • Housing Officer
    • Drug Prevention Coordinator