Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Marcoux is a seasoned law enforcement leader, educator, and cold-case investigator with nearly two decades of service in public safety. Serving as a District Lieutenant with the Florida Highway Patrol under the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, she supervises 22 personnel across nine counties while maintaining the ability to oversee broader operational deployments throughout the state. Since beginning her career at the Florida Highway Patrol Academy in 2006, Marcoux has built a reputation for leadership, professionalism, and integrity, grounded in a lifelong commitment to service inspired by her family’s military background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminology from University of South Florida, where she was actively involved in organizations such as Pi Gamma Mu and Golden Key.
In recent years, Marcoux has become widely recognized for her work in forensic investigative genetic genealogy and cold-case investigations. After attending the inaugural meeting of the Northeast Florida Cold Case Council in 2023, she developed a strong passion for helping identify unknown victims and bringing long-awaited answers to families. Her investigative efforts led to the successful resolution of a 1987 unidentified child case through collaboration with DNA Labs International and the Texas Rangers, reuniting a mother with answers after nearly four decades. She continues to expand her expertise through advanced forensic genealogy training at Ramapo College, where she is pursuing certification to independently manage approximately 20 cold cases throughout Florida. Her work reflects a deep belief that every unidentified victim deserves dignity, recognition, and resolution.
Beyond her investigative and supervisory responsibilities, Marcoux is dedicated to education, training, and community safety. Since 2018, she has served as an adjunct instructor for the Institute of Police Technology and Management at University of North Florida, teaching pedestrian and bicycle safety to law enforcement professionals. She is also certified in CPR instruction and de-escalation training, further demonstrating her commitment to public service and officer preparedness. Known for her strong ethical values and belief in letting hard work speak for itself, Marcoux continues to influence the law enforcement profession through mentorship, leadership, and her unwavering dedication to solving cases that others may have long forgotten.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong foundation of training, a family background rooted in service, and the guidance of mentors who invested in my growth. I also recognize the importance of learning from those who came before me and building upon their wisdom and experiences. Above all, my success has been shaped by consistently delivering professional performance grounded in integrity, ethics, and a commitment to excellence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep learning. That mindset has guided me throughout my career and encouraged me to continuously grow both personally and professionally. In addition to my primary role, I have served as an adjunct instructor at University of North Florida, where I teach pedestrian and bicycle safety. I also work as a CPR and de-escalation instructor, which has allowed me to expand my impact through education, safety training, and community engagement.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering law enforcement is to do their research and understand that the field is not one size fits all. Careers in law enforcement can vary greatly depending on the agency, role, and level of service, so it is important to find the path that best aligns with your goals and values. I would also encourage them to prepare for both the rewards and challenges of the profession, as public perception can shift and the work can sometimes feel thankless. Above all, remain grounded in your integrity, morals, and ethics, because your character is one of the most important things you will carry throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in nearly 20 years in law enforcement is the increased recognition and respect for women in the field. When I first entered the academy, there were still strong undertones that women would not succeed in such a male-dominated profession, and at the time, women made up only a small percentage of the agency. While law enforcement is still heavily male-dominated today, I believe the industry has made meaningful progress. Over the years, I’ve seen a shift from people focusing on gender to focusing more on capability, professionalism, and performance. Although biases still exist and there is more work to be done, I believe we are in a much stronger and more inclusive position than we were two decades ago.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, ethics, humility, and service. I firmly believe that your morals and ethics define who you are, and once you compromise your integrity, you begin to lose your sense of self. In a profession like law enforcement, maintaining honesty and accountability is essential, even in difficult situations where taking shortcuts may seem easier. I also value meaningful service and personal responsibility, which is why I continue to approach sensitive aspects of the job, such as next-of-kin notifications, with compassion and care even after nearly 20 years in the field. Recognition, for me, is not about attention or praise — it is about allowing my work, dedication, and impact to speak for themselves.
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