The Jackson Police Department got a much-needed boost from the State of Mississippi Wednesday as State Senator David Blount (D) handed over a big check.

"This is our first time to go over and ask for this, and we came back with it," said Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin.

Senator Blount gave $160,000 to the Jackson Police Department at their weekly meeting that would help to offset overtime costs associated with working at state events such as the Dixie National Rodeo and the Mississippi State Fair. The check does not cover overtime costs associated with events such as local parades. Sheriff McMillin added that a big problem they've had this year was the lack of overtime.

"Those of us in Jackson and in this Jackson Police Department know that there are increased costs associated with providing public safety at events in Jackson that are here because this is the state capital," said Senator Blount to police present at the meeting. "It's something that I worked on very hard."

Senate Bill 3157, an appropriation bill for the Department of Finance and Administration, was signed by Governor Haley Barbour at the end of regular session this year, and money was made available at the end of July, according to Senator Blount.

Senator Blount added that this bill had been on his mind for a long time, even before he took office in January, after the overtime budget was largely spent.

"I sat down with the Sheriff, and we talked about this problem that we all know has existed for a long time," said Senator Blount. "I've learned real quickly, you can't just go to the Legislature
and ask for money. You've got to do  your homework. And the chief had done his homework."

But Senator Blount said that this is just the first step in the right direction.

"In my opinion, more does need to be done," Senator Blount told FOX 40 News. "We have to have a safe capital city, for all of the people in Mississippi."