Attorney General Jim Hood says it’s OK for Malcolm McMillin to serve in the dual role of Hinds County sheriff and Jackson police chief.

WLBT TV reported that Hood was responding to questions from the city’s legal department.

Mayor Frank Melton appointed McMillin as police chief last week. The move came days after Melton fired Shirlene Anderson, who had been chief the past two years. McMillin was first elected sheriff in 1991.

This is the first time a Mississippi law enforcement officer has served in a city and county role at the same time.

McMillin needs confirmation by the City Council, and Hood said the State Ethics Commission will need to decide whether McMillin faces any conflicts. The commission meets again in early December.