Magistrates across West Mercia area are getting a first-hand look at the work of probation officers by spending a day with them.
The initiative will see up to 30 placements a year in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Magistrates who have served between 18 months and two years will spend the time looking at all aspects of probation work, and three placements have already taken place in Kidderminster.
West Mercia Probation Service area manager Avril Gilmore said: "We have given magistrates a greater insight into the work of the probation service, particularly the work we do with offenders when magistrates give them community sentences.
"Feedback has been very positive. Magistrates have particularly commented on the enthusiasm and motivation of trainee probation officers."
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