AUSTIN, Texas — Austin leaders say they are shocked to learn guns that were once the property of the Austin Police department officers have been sold to the general public.

An investigative report by the Texas Standard this week found Austin is one of many Texas cities selling its retired handguns to gun dealers. The dealers then sell the guns to the public.

City leaders and gun control advocates are worried about how those guns are tracked once they are sold.

"I only spoke with Chief Manley yesterday. I need to see where those questions lead, but I am deeply concerned that we even have to ask them," Alison Alter, Austin City Councilor said.

Thursday, the City Council approved a resolution backing state and federal gun control efforts.

While the bills face an uphill battle at both levels, they would require people convicted of domestic abuse to surrender all firearms.

Federal law currently only prevents them from buying more guns.