Saima Afzal MBE unveiled the publication of a major text book at University Centre at Blackburn College with academic Dr Phil Johnson.

Dr Phil Johnson, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Criminology launched his book “Criminology” at an event in the University Centre’s lecture theatre.

The text book launch is particularly poignant for Blackburn-based Saima, who provided a written submission which is included in the text book.

As part of the text, former student Saima explains how her degree in Criminology gained from the University Centre at Blackburn College has influenced her work into forced marriages and domestic violence.

At 39 Saima was recognised for her work when she received the MBE for her Services to Policing and Community Relations in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Saima, now 45 and a Freelance Criminologist specialising in Forced Marriage and “Honour” based violence said: “It’s a great privilege to be included in the text book which will be a major companion to Criminology students across the UK.”

“I’m now a Freelance Criminologist specialising in Forced Marriage and “Honour” based violence. Currently I am only one of two experts registered on the National Crime Agency, Expert Adviser Database who specialises in assisting with cases of Forced Marriage and other forms of “Honour” Based Abuse.

“My job sees me travel the length and breadth of the UK working on cases alongside the Police but also conducting training through the College of Policing. It’s always great to return to Blackburn College to meet students of the subject.”

Saima was presented with her own personal copy of the text book by Dr Johnson.

The text, which is designed to work in partnership with the Oxford Handbook of Criminology, is the first book that Oxford University Press have published in full colour.

The text is co-authored by Professor Stephen Case from Loughborough University, David Manlow from the University of Westminster, Professor Roger Smith from Durham University and Professor Katherine Williams, from Aberystwyth University.

Dr Johnson was invited by Professor Stephen Case to become a co-author for the text – lending his experience particularly to the graduate employability and criminal justice sections.

The launch marks the 20th anniversary of students studying Criminology at Blackburn College.

Dr Johnson said, “The teaching of higher education Criminology in Blackburn has always focused on the needs of the students and the book seeks to meet this aim through relevant personal examples that provide meaning for everyone who uses it.

“The main point of the book is to encourage undergraduates to recognise that at university, they are responsible for producing knowledge not just consuming it. This focus on higher-level skills can equip the reader with the tools they need for developing a sustainable career in the justice sector.”