Judge Walter Armstrong qualifies to keep Justice Court seat

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Current Justice Court Judge Walter “Chief” Armstrong qualified Wednesday to run to complete the 1-year term remaining on the bench he now holds in the Central District of Warren County, bringing more than 40 years of Mississippi law enforcement and court service to the Nov. 3 ballot. 

Armstrong has presided as justice court judge over the Central District since earlier this year, when the Warren County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint him from a field of applicants following the death of Judge James Jefferson.

“I have spent my life in public service, and I have never taken a day of it for granted,” Armstrong said. “The people who walk into Justice Court are often having one of the hardest days of their lives. They deserve a judge who is prepared, who starts on time, and who listens before deciding. I’m humbly asking the voters of the Central District for the chance to keep doing this work, fairly and impartially, for every person who comes before this court.”

Armstrong began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a Mississippi state trooper stationed in Port Gibson. He served 25 years with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, rising to the rank of lieutenant before retiring in 2009.

He was appointed chief of police for the city of Vicksburg after leaving the Highway Patrol and led the department for eight years. In 2017 he became chief of police in Natchez, where he strengthened investigative operations. He joined the staff of the United States federal courthouse in Jackson in 2021.

Armstrong graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 2006. Attendance is by nomination only and is reserved for law enforcement leaders identified by their departments. He earned a master’s degree in secondary education from Alcorn State University in 2002.

Justice Court handles a substantial share of the county’s day-to-day legal business, including civil disputes over money, landlord and tenant matters, misdemeanor cases, and initial appearances.

Armstrong and his wife, Janice, have lived in Vicksburg for more than 30 years. They are the parents of four adult sons.

The election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3 and is nonpartisan.