Project AL-V: Rethinking the ‘Alpha Victim'

Project AL-V explores the complex realities facing young people caught up in county lines drug trafficking; specifically those labelled ‘alpha-victims’.

Research conducted by the Vulnerability and Policing Futures Research Centre highlights how these young people, though coerced or forced into exploiting others, are frequently viewed as offenders rather than victims by criminal justice and safeguarding professionals. The factors fuelling this are myriad and include: the complex and shifting nature of young people’s involvement in county lines operations over time; the appearance and demeanour of the alpha-victim, and their response to intervention measures; processes of ‘adultification’ – particularly in relation to Black young men; and conjecture concerning the roles played by females within organised crime groups.

This project aims to:

1. Develop a suite of creative, practice-oriented resources that support reflective professional learning and discussion about victimisation and complicity;
2. Stimulate open conversations about how professionals currently understand and respond to alpha-victims, and potential avenues for policy and practice change;
3. Challenge assumptions and provide an evidence-informed insight into the adverse childhood experiences and systemic failures that increase the risk of a young person becoming both exploited and an exploiter within drug markets;

The project will be delivered between May 2025 and April 2026.

Publications and outputs

Short film: A compelling visual narrative set in a multiagency meeting. The story follows a young alpha-victim, unseen by professionals, who shares his perspective as they debate his fate.

Professional podcast: In-depth interviews with practitioners and experts that unpack the film’s themes and offer frontline insights into supporting exploited young people.

CPD workshop plan: A practical training resource to support cross-sector learning. Designed for teams to reflect critically on their roles, responsibilities, and approaches to safeguarding young alpha-victims.

Online resource hub: A dedicated webpage hosting the film, podcast, workshop plan, and further learning materials.