Jeffrey Lamoureaux is the owner of CIXE Investigations, specializing in Title IX, civil rights compliance, and investigative services. With over 24 years of experience in both criminal and administrative resolution, Jeff has made significant contributions across multiple sectors, including law enforcement and higher education. Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles at institutions such as the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Eastern Washington University, Appalachian State University, Goodwin University, Auburn University, University of San Francisco, and the Burbank Police Department. In this interview, Jeff offers valuable insights into his daily routines, the creative processes behind his work, and the personal habits that have been key to his success.
How did your experience in law enforcement shape your approach to civil rights compliance and Title IX work?
My experience in law enforcement deeply shaped the way I approach civil rights compliance and Title IX work. During my time as a police officer with the Burbank Police Department, I was constantly faced with traumatic situations that made me truly understand how much of an impact trauma can have on all involved parties. One of the most significant events that influenced me was responding to an active shooter situation at an apartment complex. The shooter had taken multiple victims’ lives and two children were being held hostage inside. Along with SWAT team members, I made the decision to force entry to rescue the children. As the first one through the door, I wasn’t thinking about my own safety, but about the children’s lives. Fortunately, we were able to get them out unharmed.
Another deeply impactful experience was responding to an officer-involved shooting, where my partner and I were the first on the scene. Officers Matthew Pavelka and Greg Campbell had been shot multiple times by gang members during a narcotics deal in a hotel parking lot. Officer Nichols, my patrol partner, rendered aid to Officer Campbell, who was severely wounded, while I performed CPR on Officer Pavelka. Unfortunately, Officer Pavelka didn’t survive, and Officer Campbell was left permanently disabled. Experiencing these events firsthand made me acutely aware of how trauma affects everyone—victims, responders, and the community.
These experiences instilled in me the importance of empathy, fairness, and trauma-informed care. They taught me that justice is not just about enforcement or punishment—it’s about protecting the vulnerable, ensuring fairness, and treating people with dignity, even in the most difficult situations.
This perspective directly influences my approach in civil rights compliance and Title IX work. I understand how trauma can deeply affect those involved, whether they’re students, faculty, or staff. My priority is to make sure that everyone is treated fairly, their voices are heard, and their rights are protected. My law enforcement experience ingrained in me the importance of impartiality and thorough, fact-based investigations—skills that are critical when dealing with sensitive matters like sexual harassment or discrimination. In these roles, I bring the same commitment to fairness and care that I relied on during my time in law enforcement, always aiming to ensure that justice is served in a way that prioritizes respect and equity for all.
What motivated you to transition from law enforcement to higher education and compliance work?
What motivated me to transition from law enforcement to higher education and compliance work was largely my wife, Melissa. She was the one who recognized that my passion for serving others and my dedication to finding the truth in difficult cases could be applied to a new field. Melissa saw the toll that law enforcement was taking on me physically and mentally, and she knew I needed a change. I was struggling with the emotional strain of the job, particularly after experiencing the trauma of responding to officer-involved shootings and other high-pressure situations. Balancing my career and personal life became increasingly difficult, and I was facing the effects of PTSD.
Melissa, being the anchor she’s always been for me, helped me see that my skills in investigation and conflict resolution could be applied in a different way—one that didn’t involve the same level of constant stress but still allowed me to make a positive impact. She pointed me in the direction of civil rights compliance and higher education because she knew that I was passionate about helping people and finding the truth, especially in sensitive cases involving fairness and equity.
As I considered her advice, I realized that I could continue to serve others in a meaningful way through this work. Higher education and Title IX compliance gave me the chance to create safer, more respectful environments, and to be part of the prevention and education efforts that are so crucial in these areas. My background in law enforcement provided a strong foundation for conducting thorough investigations and handling crisis situations, but now I could apply those skills in a way that focused on equity and protecting individuals’ rights.
This transition was one of the best decisions I’ve made, not only for my career but for my personal well-being. It allowed me to continue doing work that I’m passionate about, while also finding a healthier balance for myself and my family.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was managing the emotional and psychological toll from my time in law enforcement. While I wasn’t directly involved as a shooter in officer-involved shootings, I was a first responder at several of these incidents, witnessing the aftermath and trauma firsthand. One of the most difficult moments was when a sergeant at our department, who was well-respected and close to many of us, tragically committed suicide. His son, who is still an officer at the department, was like a little brother to me, and watching that family go through such devastating pain left a lasting impact. I felt that the department and the city could have done more to support the sergeant’s family during such a heartbreaking time.
These experiences built up over time, and although I continued to work, focusing on the next case or task, I wasn’t addressing the underlying emotional strain. The weight of these incidents, combined with the trauma I witnessed on the job, eventually caught up with me. I was dealing with PTSD but didn’t recognize it right away, and instead of seeking help, I tried to power through on my own. That only made things worse.
I reached a point where I knew I had to make a change or risk losing everything—my family, my career, and my health. I sought counseling, which became a major turning point for me. Through therapy and leaning heavily on my faith, I found a path toward healing. My relationship with God and my involvement in church provided me with the strength and clarity I needed to move forward. I realized that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, but rather the first step toward recovery.
Another ongoing challenge has been balancing the demands of leadership roles in compliance with family life. The emotional energy required for leading investigations, particularly in sensitive areas like Title IX, can be immense. But my family—my two daughters, Bella and Dani, and my wife, Melissa—are my top priority. Over the years, I’ve learned to set boundaries, ensuring that family time is protected no matter how hectic work becomes. It’s a constant balancing act, but one that I’ve become more intentional about. Prioritizing family and making time for them has been key to maintaining both my personal and professional well-being.
What advice would you give to someone entering the field of Title IX and civil rights compliance?
First and foremost, I would tell them to approach the work with empathy and respect for every individual involved. Title IX and civil rights compliance can be incredibly sensitive fields, as you’re often dealing with issues of harassment, discrimination, and assault. It’s critical to understand that behind every case is a person who deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of their role in the situation.
Another piece of advice is to stay up to date on the constantly evolving legal landscape. Title IX regulations, in particular, are subject to frequent changes, and it’s important to stay informed so you can apply the most current laws and policies in your work. Be willing to continue learning and adapting.
Finally, I would emphasize the importance of self-care. This work can be emotionally draining, and burnout is a real concern, especially for those who are passionate about what they do. Make sure you set boundaries, take breaks, and seek support when you need it.
You’ve mentioned that your faith is a cornerstone of your life. How has your faith influenced your professional journey?
My faith has been the foundation of everything I do, both personally and professionally. It’s been my guiding light, especially during the most difficult times of my career. When I was dealing with PTSD and struggling to find balance between work and family, it was my faith that helped me through. I found solace and strength in knowing that there was a bigger purpose to my life beyond just my career.
In my professional journey, my faith has taught me the importance of service to others. I truly believe that we are here to serve one another, and that belief is at the core of how I approach my work. Whether it’s working on a Title IX investigation, leading a training session, or consulting with an institution, I always try to remember that my role is to help create environments where people feel safe, respected, and valued.
Faith also keeps me grounded. In leadership positions, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and pressures. But my faith reminds me to take a step back, to focus on what really matters—my family, my community, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
What’s one failure you experienced in your career, and what did you learn from it?
One of my biggest failures was not recognizing the early signs of PTSD after some of the more traumatic incidents I experienced as a police officer. I ignored the symptoms and thought that if I just worked harder, I could push through it. But that mindset nearly destroyed my personal life and my career. I became emotionally distant from my family, and my work started to suffer as well.
The lesson I learned is that ignoring mental health issues is never the answer. It’s crucial to take care of yourself and seek help when you need it. There’s no shame in admitting that you’re struggling. In fact, doing so takes courage. I also learned the importance of leaning on others for support. My wife and my faith were instrumental in helping me overcome that period of my life.
Today, I advocate for mental health awareness in all the work I do, especially when training others. Whether in law enforcement or higher education, it’s vital to address these issues head-on.
What’s one business idea you’d give away for free?
One business idea I’d give away for free is implementing an on-site mental health service specifically designed for officers and employees working in Title IX compliance. These roles are incredibly high-stress, often involving trauma or sensitive investigations, yet mental health resources for these professionals are either hard to access or too expensive. I believe this service should be provided free of charge and made easily accessible, as an investment in the employees’ well-being. Offering on-site counseling and mental health support would not only help them manage the stress of their roles but also improve their overall performance and resilience. Prioritizing mental health is crucial, and making it readily available for those in these demanding fields is something that could truly make a difference.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is twofold. On a personal level, it means that my family is
healthy, happy, and thriving. If my daughters, Bella and Dani, are living fulfilling lives and my relationship with my wife, Melissa, is strong, then I feel successful. My family has always been my foundation, and their well-being is my greatest priority.
On a professional level, success means that I’ve made a positive impact on the communities I serve. Whether it’s ensuring that a Title IX investigation is handled fairly, creating a safer campus environment, or providing training that helps others understand the importance of equity and respect, I measure success by the difference I make in the lives of others. It’s not about accolades or titles for me—it’s about the service I provide and the legacy I leave behind.