Police Crack Down on Gang Patches: A New Era of Enforcement

As the law making it an offence to display gang insignia in a public place comes into effect on November 21st, New Zealand’s police force is gearing up for a significant crackdown. Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham has outlined the plan, which involves dedicated Gang Disruption Officers and community engagement to tackle intimidating gang behaviour.

Understanding The Core Concepts

The new Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill aims to deal with the intimidating behaviour that had been characteristic of gang gatherings and tangi in the past. The law will make it an offence to display gang patches or insignia in a public place, with penalties for those who breach the law. Police have been working behind the scenes for six months to prepare for the introduction of the law, engaging with gangs and community groups to communicate what was expected when the law came into effect.

* Key aspects of the law include:
+ Displaying gang patches or insignia in a public place
+ Refusing to comply with police requests to remove gang patches or insignia
+ Being present at a gathering where gang patches or insignia are being displayed

How This Works In Practice

Police have met with gang leadership to make clear their expectations around the gang patch ban. The force has also held hundreds of meetings with gangs and community groups to communicate what was expected when the law came into effect. Dedicated Gang Disruption Officers will take the lead in establishing how the police will enforce the patch ban, supported by another 25 roles in the National Gang Units.

* Training for officers:
+ Up to 97% of officers have completed an online training module to ensure their stance is consistent and clear
+ Officers will learn to approach scenarios on a case-by-case basis, gathering evidence before enforcing the law
* Community engagement:
+ Police have been engaging with community groups to raise awareness about the new laws and encourage compliance
+ Some clubs have indicated a level of compliance, while others are holding their own counsel

Why This Matters For Business

The gang patch ban is not just about enforcement; it’s also about creating a safer society. Intimidating gang behaviour had become a characteristic of gatherings and tangi in the past, and this law aims to put an end to that. By dealing with the intimidating behaviour that had been associated with gang gatherings, police hope to reduce tensions and create a more harmonious community.

* The impact on businesses:
+ Businesses near gang hangouts may see an increase in foot traffic as people feel safer
+ The reduced presence of gangs could lead to increased investment in the area
* The role of community engagement:
+ Community groups play a critical role in raising awareness and encouraging compliance with the new laws
+ Police are working closely with community groups to ensure that everyone is on board with the new laws

Challenges Ahead

While police are confident that most gangs will see the sense in not flagrantly violating the law, there will always be exceptions. Gang members who think they’re above the law and can run around with their patches on may still pose a challenge.

* The role of evidence:
+ Evidence of patch ban breaches will enable police to obtain warrants and have greater powers to disrupt illegal activity
+ Police will use evidence to build cases against those who breach the law
* The importance of situational policing:
+ Policing is always situational, and police must adapt to different scenarios
+ Police will follow up on breaches after the fact if it’s not safe to enforce the law in the moment

Conclusion

The introduction of the gang patch ban is a significant step forward in tackling intimidating gang behaviour. While there may be challenges ahead, police are confident that they have the tools and resources to enforce the law effectively. By working together with community groups and engaging with gangs, police hope to create a safer society where everyone can feel comfortable going about their daily business.