Bristol seminar: Responding to County Lines and ‘Cuckooing’
This free seminar discussed the mechanics of the 'county lines' drug supply methodology, the associated harms and the implications for the commissioning of public services.
23 January, 2019
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Jack Spicer │ PhD Researcher & Associate Lecturer in Criminology │ University of the West of England
Dr Leah Moyle │ Lecturer in Criminology │ Royal Holloway University
Lucy Macready │ Community Safety Manager │ Somerset County Council
Sammy Odoi │ Managing Director │ Wipers Youth CIC
DCI Kerry Paterson │ County Lines Lead │ Avon & Somerset Police
Over recent years the burgeoning ‘County Lines’ phenomenon has generated significant attention and concern, becoming a priority issue for the police and other agencies. Posing as a ‘wicked problem’, the involvement and exploitation of vulnerable populations and the appropriation of local’s homes in a practice known as cuckooing presents multiple, often unique challenges for responses that seek to be effective and appropriate.
This free seminar discussed the mechanics of this drug supply methodology, the associated harms and the implications for the commissioning of public services. Speakers included practitioners experienced with working with affected populations and academics conducting research in the area. Discussions were be based around their experiences, providing insight into the challenges and complexities of the issue.
Key areas explored included: responding to involved young people; engaging with those experiencing or at risk of ‘Cuckooing’; effective multi-agency strategies and safeguarding.