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The Houston Police Department doesn't hire ex-cons. Neither does the airport system.

But criminals who have served time are employees in many other city departments and have been for years.

11News discovered the City of Houston regularly goes to job fairs at local prisons, including the Lynchner Unit in Humble and the Darrington Unit in Brazoria County.

They advertising low-level opportunities within city government like street repair, ditch and storm sewer maintenance.

Problem is, the city doesn't keep track of how many ex-cons it employs or where they work.

It's something that concerns Councilman Adrian Garcia.

"We can't allow an employee who has had a particular problem to end up in a sensitive area of the city's operation that could encourage that person to make a mistake or creates a temptation we can otherwise avoid," said Garcia.

Jermaine Keith Broussard was charged with capital murder in 1993, but only served time for aggravated robbery.

Then, Houston's Parks Department hired him.

11News tracked him down. While he wouldn't go on camera, he did say "I should be judged for my record now. Not then."

But where should City Hall draw the line?

Last May, 11News exposed a number of ex-cons currently on the city payroll: A convicted child sex offender working at the city dog pound where children often show up; and a 4-time convicted burglar working as a clerk -- near cash -- at Municipal Courts.

Some current city employees worry their badged colleagues with a criminal background have access to areas -- even perhaps at the police department -- where most visitors can't go.