When Lakiesha Minor arrived in Newark in 2005 from the small Salem County borough of Penns Grove, NJ, she did not know what to expect. “I always learned about Newark on the news, but never saw the city. It was a culture shock,” she said. At that time, she was a student at Rutgers studying biology; now, 20 years later, she lives in Newark, works in Newark, and loves her adopted city. In 2006, while still a student, Minor joined the Rutgers Community Service Officer (CSO) program, where she remained until her graduation in 2011. Initially, she had hoped to pursue a career in Forensic Science, but as graduation approached, she needed to find stable employment quickly. At the time, she was seeking custody of her niece to help her sister. She soon began her full-time career with Rutgers Public Safety as a security officer.
“I needed a secure job,” said Minor who speaks with a joyful determination. “I was trying to adopt my niece. I fought hard to get her out of foster care.” The child was eventually approved for adoption by another couple. Minor’s dedication and strong work ethic did not go unnoticed. Numerous RUPD staff members encouraged her to apply for a position as a Rutgers Police Officer. Around the same time, in October 2015, her sister gave birth to a baby boy, and once again Minor sought custody. By November 2015, she had become his legal guardian. Just two short months later, she entered the police academy.
“I was in the academy and a new mother to a three-month-old. I don’t even know how I got through the mayhem and chaos,” she laughed as she recalled the tumultuous time. “I was sleep deprived; it was a total blur.” Despite it all, Minor became a sworn officer in 2016. Today her son is almost ten years old, and she has almost ten years with the RUPD. She and her husband live in Newark. “My husband grew up in Newark and would rather live outside of the city, but he lost that battle,” she said with a good-natured laugh.
Minor was promoted to Sergeant in 2021. In 2025, she became a Lieutenant.
“Lieutenant Minor is the first African American female promoted to the rank of lieutenant since the 2013 integration of Rutgers University and UMDNJ. She has worked hard and is highly deserving of this promotion,” said Carmelo Huertas, Chief of Campus Police.
Balancing family and career takes teamwork. Minor and her husband coordinate their schedules to care for their son, with her husband, a train engineer for the Port Authority, working afternoons, and Minor working overnight shifts, four days on and four days off. “I try to be very intentional about how I spend my time, especially with my loved ones,” she said. This became even more important after the sudden passing of her mother and her sister.
Night shifts are very different than days and becoming a Lieutenant comes with different responsibilities, too. “I am thankful for all of the people who have worked to make this a smooth transition,” Minor said.
Minor is the first police officer in her immediate family. She is a range instructor, OC (pepper spray) instructor, Taser Instructor, and on the RUPD Rifle Team.
Minor’s life experiences have given her a unique perspective on empathy and service. Her sister’s personal struggles and untimely passing shaped the way Minor views others who fall on difficult times. She is especially compassionate toward the people she frequently encounters on Newark’s streets. “These individuals sometimes need resources like food and shelter. We try to pass their information to our Community Policing Unit so they can get support. You never know a person’s circumstances or what they’ve been through. Some just need a little extra help.”
Aside from furthering her career as a police officer, Lt. Minor enjoys spending time with her friends and family. In her free time, she relaxes through baking and arts and crafts, hobbies that allow her to be creative and bring joy to those around her.
Congratulations Lt. Lakiesha Minor!
Featured in the IP&O Newsletter, October 2025.
