The Waitaki District Council does not run police background checks on new employees despite granting them the power of authority, councillors learnt this week.
Ahuriri ward councillor June Slee raised the question at a council meeting as three new employees - an enforcement officer and two roading staff - were granted the authority to exercise several powers.
The staff were granted the power to act as litter control officers, the power to enter private land to ensure compliance with an excessive noise direction and the power to seize property.
Customer services group manager Richard Mabon told councillors it was not the council's policy to conduct police checks on all those granted power of authority.
Cr Slee said it was a matter worth the council's consideration ''if we don't make sure that these people who are given the power of authority have a clean slate''.
Cr Guy Percival asked why roading staff would be given some of the same powers as enforcement officers, including the power to enter private land.
Mr Mabon said in some ''very rare'' cases where a council staff member was required to exercise the power of authority but no enforcement officers were available the staff member could be used as a ''back-up''.
