Former homicide detective Gary Jubelin says investing in good teachers will help reduce crime

Former detective chief inspector Gary Jubelin has singled out one profession as critical in the fight against crime. WATCH THE VIDEO

Teachers are our first defence in the country’s fight against crime, according to Australia’s most decorated homicide detective Gary Jubelin.

In a candid video, the former New South Wales detective chief inspector said educators played a pivotal role in shaping not only the minds of youth but also the trajectory of crime rates in Australia.

Following a 34-year career in the police force, Jubelin said “you can’t underestimate the value of a good teacher in a person’s life”.

“It always troubled me that when they wanted to reduce crime, we’re going to increase police numbers, change the legislation, get tough on crime [but] I think we’ve missed the point,” Jubelin said in the video recorded for our Australia’s Best Teachers campaign.

Former homicide detective Gary Jubelin. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“What I saw throughout my policing career was the impact that teachers and education had on people that found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

“It just takes one good teacher to steer a person’s life in the right direction.

“Time and time again, I saw people would come before the courts because of the poor education they had, the lack of education, the lack of direction they had in life.”

He called on a greater focus for funding to be funnelled to where it’s needed in education.

“We put our trust in our teachers, and we should reward them and we should recognise the good work they do,” he said.

“Put money into education … into getting the best people possible to teach our kids and if they teach our kids, they turn out to be good human beings.

“There’s a role that parents have to play, but kids, spend a lot of time in school and it’s a big influence.

“We all remember back to our school days, and I’ve just got to say that teachers, I don’t think their work is appreciated in the importance they play.”

A big influence: Kids spend a lot of time at school with their teachers and Gary Jubelin says this can have a positive impact on preventing kids falling into crime. Picture iStock

Jubelin credited three of his teachers from Epping Boys High School in Marsfield for all leaving “a profound effect” on him.

He acknowledged his English teacher Mr Whelan for teaching him the “fun of learning” and opening his eyes to different perspectives.

Then there was Mrs Davies he helped him realise the influence friend choices could make.

“She actually pulled me aside one time and said I was hanging around with the wrong people and I’m wasting opportunities,” Jubelin said.

“That got me thinking about where my life was heading.”

Finally, Jubelin thanked Mr Cummins, who was his geography teacher and soccer coach, for treating him with respect and “like a young adult” when he was in his final year of school.

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Originally published as Former homicide detective Gary Jubelin says investing in good teachers will help reduce crime