Collins announces candidacy for re-election as District Attorney – Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper

NATCHEZ – Sixth District Attorney Shameca S. Collins has announced that she is running for re-election to her position.

The Criminal Court District includes Adams, Amite, Franklin and Wilkinson counties.

Collins defeated Ronnie Harper for the district attorney position in the 2019 election.

“I have worked in this position for the past four years, and I have remained committed to ensuring that justice is done in our community in a fair and progressive way,” said Collins in a press release announcing his candidacy.

“In my first term, I have fulfilled many of the promises I made when I first ran for this office. During my first campaign, I told you all that I believe that my duty is not to punish, but to see that justice is done. I also told you that I am strong in crimes, but that does not mean that we should destroy lives. When crimes are committed, we must be strong against criminals; but we must also work to restore our citizens who have lost their way,” said Collins.

He said that during his time in office, he established procedures to punish those who commit crimes, and implemented several “progressive and innovative” programs to address the root causes of crime.

Collins said those measures include:

• Work closely with the US Attorney Task Force to prosecute gun criminals.
• Prioritize the law enforcement of violent crimes.
• Modernize the computer system in the District Attorney’s Office to track charges.
• Establish pre-trial and expand drug courts to all counties in the 6th District, freeing up resources to focus on offenders violent.
• Mandatory Tracking Number Capture to enable accurate border checks.
• Eliminating the plea bargain in almost all homicide cases.
• Trial and victory in murder cases so that criminals receive the maximum punishment.
• Force the defendants to pay the court orders to the citizens.
• Make it a priority to appoint different people to important positions in the District Attorney’s office.
• Provide free annual law enforcement training.
• Ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and without discrimination, while paying attention to victims and their needs.
“I am no stranger to the citizens of District 6. Many of you know me personally. You are my neighbors, my fellow citizens, and I have always worked to be accountable to you. Many of you call my office, or stop me at the store, or on the street, and I am always willing to talk to you and listen to your concerns,” said Collins. “It is important to me that I know the people I represent, just as it is important that you all know me. The District Attorney must be transparent and accessible to the voters of District 6, and I promise to continue to be if you re-elect me.

“I am asking for your support, so it is appropriate for me to state why I am running for re-election. “I am running for re-election to the Office of the District Attorney of the 6th District because I know that justice and fairness are very important to all our citizens,” he said. “Each case must be judged on its merits, regardless of who is involved. We should all be able to tell our children that when they grow up, they will be well taken care of by the law, regardless of their race, color, religion or gender. This is what I’m working on. This is why I run.

“To build a strong system of justice and righteousness, we must work together. This has never been a one-woman or one-man job. The work of improving our community requires all of us to do our part,” Collins said. “If you re-elect me, I will continue to be part of my team and I will continue to work with the citizens of District 6.”