"Having great results": Unlawful association charges skyrocketed since gang patch ban came into effect, data shows
The police union says the Coalition's gang patch ban is working as intended.
Newstalk ZB's revealed authorities are charging people for unlawful association more than four times as frequently as before the ban came into effect almost two years ago.
Under the ban, those charged face up to six months prison time or a $5,000 fine.
Police Association President Steve Watt told Ryan Bridge officers have the skills to identify gang members, whether they're wearing a patch or not, and if they're less visible, the community feels safer.
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