STUDENT police officers were given a taste of the front line when they dealt with shoplifters and drunks as part of their training.
Thankfully for them, the would-be criminals were all being played by volunteers.
The event was part of a 17-week training course undertaken by students at York St John College.
They spent the day patrolling alongside experienced officers at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, in York.
Sergeant Ian Sirrell, the force's training college manager, said: "This is the first time we have organised the practicals in this way.
"I'm sure it will be very challenging and beneficial to our students, who will be doing this for real in three weeks time when they become fully-trained police officers."
All North Yorkshire Police recruits attend the 17-week training course at York St John.
Updated: 10:19 Thursday, January 19, 2006
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