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.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

The police union says the Coalition's gang patch ban is working as intended.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
Under the ban, those charged face up to six months prison time or a $5,000 fine.&nbsp;
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. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Steve Watt: Police Association President on Police enforcing gang patch ban

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f8664799-a8ef-46a3-b01c-b4f90120065a/transcript