Joanna Putman

Associate Editor

Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, Joanna holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she brings a personal perspective to their work, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at jkeen@lexipol.com.

LATEST ARTICLES

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Suspected bank robber points replica gun at Calif. officers before fatal OIS

Video shows the suspect pulling the gun, which was later found to be an imitation firearm, from his waistband and pointing it at officers as they fled on foot

February 16, 2026 12:35 PM

Joanna Putman

Arrests and Sentencing

Ex-Md. PD chief convicted of arson, sentenced to 55 years in prison

Former Laurel Police Chief David Crawford is already serving consecutive life sentences for arsons committed in Howard County between 2011 and 2020

February 16, 2026 12:19 PM

Joanna Putman

Explosives - EOD

Bomb detonates during evidence processing, 2 Colo. bomb squad officers burned

One Pueblo Police officer sustained first- and second-degree burns; the second officer suffered first-, second- and third-degree burns and was transported to a burn unit

February 16, 2026 11:32 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man runs at Nev. officers swinging tow chain before fatal OIS

The situation escalated after Reno Police officers instructed the man to drop a pocket knife they knew him to carry from previous interactions

February 13, 2026 12:55 PM

Joanna Putman

Police Heroes

La. FTO who lost leg after being struck by suspect’s ATV now able to walk without cane

Lt. Edmund Fisher, an 18-year veteran of the department, was critically injured in May 2022 while deploying spike strips during a pursuit of two suspects on ATVs

February 13, 2026 12:51 PM

Joanna Putman

Search and Rescue

BWC: Fla. officer saves trapped driver as pursuit of carjacking, kidnapping suspect ends in fiery crash

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded after a man forcibly removed a woman from her car before driving off with her 1-year-old daughter still inside; the suspect crashed during a pursuit

February 13, 2026 12:40 PM

Joanna Putman

7 Steps to a Successful Drone Program Starting a Police Department Drone Program.jpg

Drones

Ohio selects 9 public safety agencies for statewide DFR pilot

The program will provide agencies with drone technology capable of quick launch, real time video streaming and integration with Ohio’s uncrewed aircraft traffic management system

February 12, 2026 04:06 PM

Joanna Putman

Federal law enforcement

BWC shows moments leading up to Border Patrol shooting in Chicago

After initially stating a woman rammed a CBP vehicle, prompting the agent to open fire, federal prosecutors retracted those statements and dropped all charges against her

February 12, 2026 12:04 PM

Joanna Putman

Social Media

Tenn. PD jabs at officer, releases video of porch tumble: ‘Rapid tactical descent’

“No porches were harmed in the making of this incident. Sgt. Bennett’s dignity is currently under review,” the Monterey Police Department captioned the video post

February 12, 2026 11:26 AM

Joanna Putman

Police Recruitment

Calif. PD aims to ‘grow our own’ officers through cadet program

Fresno PD’s cadet program allows candidates as young as 18 to train, assist with non-emergency duties and prepare for entry into the police academy

February 11, 2026 05:20 PM

Joanna Putman