Labour's admitted the gang patch ban hasn't turned out as badly as they feared. 

The Deputy Police Commissioner has confirmed staff are pleasantly surprised at the ban's effectiveness, saying it's brought more control to the situation.  

It comes as Gisborne police are given more powers to deal with gangs.  

Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking the fact it's gone well is a good thing. 

She says given fears haven't eventuated of frontline officers getting hurt, she can recognise it's gone better than everyone thought it would. 

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