On a fateful Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Rokeisha Collins, a former police officer and food vendor, was sentenced to prison for possession of narcotics—a moment that would change her life forever.
Rokeisha Collins
It was her mother’s birthday, and she had left home that morning expecting to return. However, the magistrate found her guilty, and she was later jailed. Prior to the sentence, she was out on $150,000 bail.
THE DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
It was sad, very sad. I couldn’t believe that [I], being that person, was behind bars. But I had to do the time.
As a mother of four, her primary concern was her children, who were all school-aged, ranging from 5 to 14.
The thought of leaving them behind weighed heavily on her mind. She worried about who would cook for them, care for them, and help her youngest child adjust to starting nursery school.
PRISON LIFE: LESSONS IN HUMILITY AND RESILIENCE
Prison is often seen as a dark and unforgiving place, but for Collins, it became a place of learning and self-reflection.
During her time behind bars, she participated in various programmes, including electrical installation, anger management, and psychology.
These programmes provided her with valuable skills and insights, particularly in fitting into traditionally male-dominated roles.
But more than just gaining skills, Collins found strength in her faith.
Being a humble person as I came to prison, I always took part in church activities. God’s mercy is what kept me going.
Prison life taught her invaluable lessons, particularly about humility and focus.
The restless nights, the noise from other inmates, and the constant need to adapt to a new environment forced her to grow in ways she never expected.
It taught me not to be easily distracted, to stay focused, believe, and do what is right, even if I have to stand alone.
This mother of four, also found solace in the community of women she met during her time in prison.
Despite their different backgrounds and offences, they became a family. They learned to cope with their circumstances together, sharing their struggles and supporting one another.
REFLECTING ON THE PAST, PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Looking back, Collins admits that if she could change one thing, it would be her decision to get into the car on that fateful day.
To be honest, that day, I wouldn’t have been in the car. I might have changed my mind. I would have said, ‘I’m not going wherever I was going. But I didn’t, and it led me here.
Despite the challenges, Collins remains grateful for the lessons she learned. She emphasises that while prison is not a bad place, it’s certainly not a place anyone, especially mothers and single parents, should want to be.
Most people think prison is a bad place. It’s not a bad place, but it’s not a place you want to be, especially if you’re a mother.
One of the hardest parts of her sentence was knowing that her children were growing up without her.
I was behind bars, thinking, ‘Who is going to cook for them? Who is going to take care of them?’ It was hard.
A PLEA FOR FAIRNESS IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
After spending two years behind bars, Collins was released in April 2024. Her time in prison gave her a unique perspective on the justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of women.
While she noticed a reduction in the number of women being sent to prison during her time there, she also witnessed cases where women were waiting for years to get a trial.
I would want the judicial system to give people a fair trial in a timely manner. There are women who have been here for four years without a trial. It’s not right.
LOOKING FORWARD
As Collins reintegrates into society, her focus is on rebuilding her life and being there for her children.
