Gang_patch
Gang patch
Identifying insignia of a street gang
A gang patch in New Zealand refers to the identifying insignia of a street gang. Patches have been linked[by whom?] to intimidation of members of the public by gang members. Gang patches perform much the same identification role as gang colours do in other countries.
The factual accuracy of parts of this article (those related to the prohibition of wearing gang insignia in government premises since 2013.) may be compromised due to out-of-date information. The reason given is: The article only mentions the Whanganui District Council bylaws and does not mention the enactment or effect of the Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013. (March 2022) |
Each of the country's gangs has its own forms of insignia, of which the most prominent is often a large symbol, frequently worn by members on their clothing as a symbol of their gang membership. The patch is often seen[by whom?] as being as important to gang members as a military flag is to members of an army group, and any insult to the patch is taken as being an insult to the gang as a whole.[1]
As such, the term has a more general meaning. Being a "patched" member of a gang is to be a fully initiated member of the gang – and often a ranking member of the gang's structure. The physical patches are highly valued and have been used[by whom?] with some success in negotiations.[2][need quotation to verify]