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Wednesday’s revelation by Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt that guns had been taken from the Houston Police Department’s property room did not surprise many of those who wear the uniform. They say thefts are not isolated to what is supposed to be the secure storage area for evidence.

In recent weeks, sources said several items have come up missing at HPD's central station on Riesner. Items including a gun that belonged to a Sergeant.

It was taken right off his desk.

In fact, several police officers bought finger recognition locks with their own personal money just in an effort to keep the crooks out of the office.

11 News

Convicted felons on the city payroll. Police sources say they are responsible for thefts at the PD.

The theft problem is that bad.

Many peace officers said they suspect the thieves are city of Houston employees. That is because a number of city staffers have criminal records, including convictions for robbery or theft.

Through their own investigation, confidential police sources said they learned that the city hires workers with felony criminal records. Some of them still on parole.

Take for example Jermaine Keith Broussard. In 1993, he admitted to killing a man and was charged with capital murder, but pled out to aggravated robbery.

He works for the city's parks and recreation department and was ironically arrested two weeks ago at this park for an alcohol violation.

He is still on the job.

Then there is Tremayn Givens. Recently he was picked up by HPD and charged with possession of crack. He was wearing a city of Houston maintenance uniform.

He told police he was convicted of assault and murder back in 1999 and like Broussard was on parole.

Both criminal records were confirmed by 11 News.

The city did confirm it does hire convicted felons, but is careful where they are placed.

But police officer sources said these convicted criminals often have access to city buildings and confidential information.