Growing up in Harlem, Gladdys Soto admits she got into her fair share of trouble, meeting plenty of police officers in the process.
“I came across several good police officers in my life who really shaped my view on police in a positive way,” said Soto, recalling her youthful indiscretions.
Those interactions inspired Soto to become a security guard and, after attending the Allentown Police Academy earlier this year, the newest sworn officer with the Lehigh University Police Department.
“I wanted to be the change, I wanted to make that difference and offer a helping hand to whoever I can because we need that sometimes … I’m here to promote the positive aspects of law enforcement, because it’s not all bad,” Soto said.
She worked as a security guard for the Lehigh University Police Department for two years before Assistant Vice President of Campus Safety and Chief of Police Jason Schiffer recommended her to continue training at the Allentown Police Academy and become a sworn police officer on Lehigh’s force. After six months of intense training, Soto graduated from the academy on June 7. Her hiring comes as the Lehigh University Police Department makes strides in employing a more diverse police force, including more women officers.