Jeffrey Lamoureaux Title IX, raised in California, has over 24 years of experience spanning law enforcement and civil rights compliance.
Starting his career with the Burbank Police Department, Jeff witnessed firsthand the trauma and challenges of frontline police work. As the owner of CIXE Investigations, he now focuses on Title IX and civil rights cases, driven by a passion for creating safe and equitable environments. His experiences navigating high-stress situations and the impact of trauma have shaped his compassionate yet resolute approach to leadership, fairness, and advocacy.
What inspired your passion for civil rights and equity, especially after working in law enforcement?
My passion for civil rights and equity developed from the raw realities I experienced in law enforcement. As a police officer, I saw firsthand how trauma can affect not just victims but entire communities. One pivotal moment was responding to an active shooter situation where two children were being held hostage. My team and I forced entry to rescue those kids, and I didn’t think twice about my safety at that moment. The only thing that mattered was protecting the innocent.
These experiences made me realize that justice goes beyond catching criminals. It’s about ensuring people are treated with dignity and fairness. Transitioning into civil rights compliance was a natural progression for me because it allowed me to continue serving others but in a way that promotes equity and protects the rights of those who often feel voiceless.
How did the trauma you witnessed in law enforcement change the way you approach your work today?
It completely transformed my perspective. Responding to situations like the officer-involved shooting where I performed CPR on Officer Matthew Pavelka, who later succumbed to his injuries, was deeply traumatic. Witnessing that level of violence and loss leaves scars that don’t fade. I’ve learned the importance of recognizing trauma and how it impacts decision-making, behavior, and emotional well-being.
Today, when I handle Title IX or civil rights cases, I approach them with a trauma-informed mindset. I understand how critical it is to be compassionate and to give people the space to express their experiences without judgment. This approach isn’t just about following protocol; it’s about truly listening and acknowledging the emotional weight that individuals carry. It’s made me a more empathetic and effective investigator, ensuring that everyone involved feels respected and understood.
What role does your family play in your professional life?
My family is everything to me. My wife, Melissa, and our daughters, Bella and Dani, are the reason I do what I do. Melissa has been my guiding light, especially when I was at my lowest points dealing with PTSD from my law enforcement days. She helped me realize that I needed to transition into a field that would allow me to use my skills without compromising my well-being. Her unwavering support and insight have been crucial in shaping my career.
My daughters have also taught me so much about balance and perspective. I make it a point to be present with them, whether it’s having dinner together, taking walks, or simply being there when they need me. This family-first approach has helped me be a better professional because it keeps me grounded and reminds me why the work I do is so important.
What’s one moment from your career that you’ll never forget, and how did it impact you?
One moment that will forever be etched in my memory is the day we lost Officer Matthew Pavelka. My partner, Nick Nichols, and I were the first on the scene of that officer-involved shooting. Officer Pavelka had been ambushed by gang members, and while Nick provided aid to Officer Campbell, who was critically injured, I performed CPR on Pavelka. Despite our efforts, he didn’t survive. The grief that followed, and seeing the ripple effect of that loss through our department and the community, was devastating.
That experience showed me just how fragile life is and how much support people need in the aftermath of trauma. It reinforced my commitment to advocating for mental health resources, both in law enforcement and in compliance work. It’s one reason I’m passionate about making sure that professionals in high-stress environments have easy access to counseling and support. It also pushed me to seek healing and reminded me of the importance of empathy in every situation.
How do you stay resilient in the face of ongoing challenges in your field?
Resilience comes from a combination of faith, self-care, and having a strong support network. My faith has been my guiding light, reminding me that there’s a purpose behind everything I’ve experienced. Staying active, whether it’s through weightlifting or daily walks, helps me clear my mind and manage stress. But, most importantly, I rely on my family and close friends. Melissa has been my rock, always encouraging me to keep going and reminding me to prioritize my well-being.
Professionally, I stay resilient by focusing on the positive impact of my work. Knowing that I’m helping create safer, more equitable environments gives me a sense of purpose. Even when the work is emotionally taxing, I remind myself of the people I’m helping and the difference it makes.
What do you think organizations get wrong when it comes to handling trauma and mental health?
One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is not prioritizing easy and accessible mental health resources. In both law enforcement and Title IX compliance, people are exposed to trauma regularly, yet support is often difficult to access or comes with a stigma attached. I’ve seen the devastating effects of this firsthand, including when a sergeant in our department committed suicide. The impact on his family, especially his son who is still an officer, was heart-wrenching. I felt then, and still feel, that the department and city could have done more to support them.
Organizations should invest in having on-site counselors who are readily available to employees. It shouldn’t be a battle or an expensive process to get mental health support. Making these resources accessible and free would be a huge step forward and show that an organization truly values the well-being of its people.
What do you wish more people understood about the work you do now?
I wish people understood that civil rights compliance and Title IX work isn’t just about enforcing rules or regulations; it’s about fostering an environment where people feel safe, heard, and respected. It’s easy for some to see compliance work as bureaucratic or adversarial, but there’s so much more to it. Every case involves real people, often dealing with deeply personal and painful experiences. My job is to ensure fairness and to protect the rights of everyone involved, while also acknowledging the emotional weight they carry.
It’s about striking the right balance between being objective and being compassionate. It’s a delicate and often challenging job, but one that is incredibly rewarding because of the impact it can have on people’s lives.
What advice would you give someone dealing with trauma in their career?
First and foremost, don’t try to push through it alone. I made that mistake early on, thinking that I could manage on my own, and it only made things worse. Seek counseling, lean on your support network, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. There is real strength in admitting that you need help.
Also, make self-care a priority. Find activities that bring you peace, whether that’s walking, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. And remember that healing is a journey. It takes time, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself and know that it’s worth putting in the effort to recover and take care of your mental and emotional health.
Read more:
Jeffrey Lamoureaux Title IX: From Law Enforcement to Civil Rights Advocate
