Ready to Serve

Serving and Protecting Mississippi

Jennifer Riley Collins is committed to serving the people of Mississippi. A decorated Army Colonel, a civil rights attorney and a mother, Jennifer has dedicated her life to protecting Mississippians and fighting for justice. Her legal career has put her on the frontlines fighting against poverty and fighting for criminal justice reform, juvenile justice, and voting rights.  

Jennifer is running for Attorney General to be the voice of the people and will be fearless in taking on the tough challenges. Her motto will always be to serve and protect.

 
 

Mississippi is Home

Born and raised in Meridian, MS  in a house right next to the railroad tracks, Jennifer is the youngest of 7 children. Her parents worked hard and creatively to take care of their family. Her father was an extremely hardworking provider and protector.  His day normally started in the very early dark hours of the morning driving a truck for Borden’s Milk Company. Her mother, who was once a maid, greatly valued education and worked her way to college that led to working with children with mental and emotional health challenges until she retired to take care of Jennifer’s father who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

That spirit of service to others and determination to overcome barriers was passed down to Jennifer. As she grew, she often noticed disparity. Jennifer knew that if she saw there was something that shouldn’t be happening, that she needed to be the one to do something about it.

After serving on active duty in the military Jennifer returned to Mississippi and committed herself to the work of justice because, “there is work yet to be done.”

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As Attorney General, I will focus on:

 

Help make Jennifer your Attorney General

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Fighting for Justice

Jennifer is compelled by Isaiah 61:8 in the Bible which reads “The Lord loves justice”.  It is for this reason that the majority of her legal career has been in pursuit of ensuring justice is afforded to all Mississippians, especially vulnerable children.

Fighting for Justice
As a young attorney Jennifer provided superior legal representation and counsel to the Mississippi Prevention of Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Coalition and its campaign for systemic educational and juvenile justice reforms. Her efforts resulted in over 75 children being diverted from the criminal justice system to appropriate placement in behavioral health treatment facilities.

As a young attorney Jennifer provided superior legal representation and counsel to the Mississippi Prevention of Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Coalition and its campaign for systemic educational and juvenile justice reforms. Her efforts resulted in over 75 children being diverted from the criminal justice system to appropriate placement in behavioral health treatment facilities.

Jennifer led an initiative to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion mechanisms in Mississippi public schools.  These harmful methods were disproportionately used against vulnerable children with disabilities. As a direct result of her leadership, the MS State Department of Education developed, adopted and implemented a model policy restricting the use of these techniques and replacing them with positive behavioral interventions.  

Jennifer led an initiative to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion mechanisms in Mississippi public schools.  These harmful methods were disproportionately used against vulnerable children with disabilities. As a direct result of her leadership, the MS State Department of Education developed, adopted and implemented a model policy restricting the use of these techniques and replacing them with positive behavioral interventions.  

Jennifer once encountered a woman who was being forced to jump hurdles to access basic needs assistance. She worked with the United States Commission on Civil Rights Mississippi Advisory Committee and spearheaded a report and several reforms which addressed the disparities and obstacles faced by women with low incomes and women of color to access child care assistance.

Jennifer once encountered a woman who was being forced to jump hurdles to access basic needs assistance. She worked with the United States Commission on Civil Rights Mississippi Advisory Committee and spearheaded a report and several reforms which addressed the disparities and obstacles faced by women with low incomes and women of color to access child care assistance.

 

Distinguished Military Service

Jennifer retired from the United States Army in June 2017 as a Colonel after 32 years of  distinguished service as a Military Intelligence Officer. She served a total of 14 years on active duty and 18 years as a member of the U. S National Guard and U. S. Army Reserves.  Her duties include deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as stateside deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She has served as a Counter Intelligence Platoon Leader, Intelligence and Security Officer at both the battalion and brigade levels, as a Battalion Commander and as a Command Inspector General.

She has thrice been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, awarded the Joint Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.  She also has received the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Distinction.

 
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