County Lines Drug Exploitation Toolbox Talk

This county lines drug exploitation toolbox talk equips security, surveillance and public safety staff with detailed, actionable guidance to recognise and mitigate the complex hazards associated with county lines criminal networks. It covers physical violence, forced internal concealment of drugs, financial exploitation and the severe psychological impact on employees and victims. The talk provides step‑by‑step procedures for reporting suspicious activity, securing mobile devices, maintaining a tamper‑evident evidence chain, and using BS EN‑standard personal protective equipment. It also outlines trauma‑informed support, regular welfare checks, and secure communications using BS EN 303 645‑compliant two‑factor authentication. Relevant legislation and guidance are linked, including COSHH Regulation 7 (2002), the Home Office County Lines Programme, the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and HSE’s Violence at Work guidance. The talk also emphasizes the need for regular risk assessments, incident reporting systems, and coordination with local law enforcement to ensure a proactive safety culture. Regular reviews of this toolbox talk should be conducted at least annually, incorporating lessons learned from any incidents and updates to legislation such as the latest HSE guidance on violence and aggression. All staff should also be familiar with the latest HSE Violence at Work risk assessment templates to ensure comprehensive coverage.