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

Federal law enforcement

Bill to require Colo. officers to intervene in alleged excessive force by federal agents fails in legislature

Police officials warned the proposal could impact recruitment and expose officers to legal risk; some chiefs said officers could face consequences whether they chose to intervene or not

March 19, 2026 12:55 PM

Joanna Putman

Legal

Ex-LAPD commander fired over public intoxication arrest wins $5.7M in discrimination suit

Nicole Mehringer alleged the LAPD held her to a stricter standard after an alcohol-related arrest, while male officers in similar situations kept their jobs or retired without discipline

March 19, 2026 12:00 PM

Joanna Putman

Law Enforcement Policies

NYPD tightens bodycam policy to 30-day release of most critical incident videos

Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the change formalizes the department’s existing practice and will help promote transparency

March 18, 2026 06:11 PM

Joanna Putman

Legal

Lawsuit alleges Minneapolis PD officer shortage violates court ruling, city charter

A 2021 Minnesota Supreme Court decision required Minneapolis to employ at least 731 officers as laid out in the city’s charter; the PD currently employs around 630 officers, the suit alleges

March 18, 2026 11:53 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC shows Fla. officers pull suspect from burning cruiser after shootout that wounded cop

The suspect shot and wounded South Daytona Police Officer Jake Fessenden before climbing into his cruiser; the cruiser then caught fire with the suspect inside

March 18, 2026 11:18 AM

Joanna Putman

Pursuit

‘Drive!': Okla. officer hops on bystander’s hood to nab fleeing minibike rider

The Oklahoma City Police officer climbed onto the hood of a bystander’s vehicle and rode on it for about two minutes, directing the driver before capturing the suspect

March 17, 2026 05:51 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man standing on side of overpass runs at Texas officer with sharp object before OIS

The man was clinging to a barrier on the side of a highway overpass when a Fort Worth PD officer asked him to climb back onto the road; he then ran at the officer with a sharp object

March 17, 2026 11:22 AM

Joanna Putman

Police Training

‘Greater safety for everybody’: Texas recruits learn Jiu-Jitsu–based SafeWrap restraint

Recruits for 27 agencies that utilize the North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Police academy will be trained and certified in the Jiu-Jitsu–based SafeWrap restraint technique

March 16, 2026 05:03 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Suspect vehicle caught in Grappler yanks cruiser forward, striking 2 Ariz. officers before OIS

The suspect ignored commands to get out of the vehicle and accelerated, dragging a tethered patrol vehicle that hit a Phoenix PD officer and an Arizona DPS trooper

March 16, 2026 12:41 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man fires gun at Calif. officers during traffic stop before fatal OIS

The man first appeared to cooperate with a San Diego deputy before abruptly rolling up his window and reaching around the vehicle; he then grabbed a gun and fired a shot

March 16, 2026 12:39 PM

Joanna Putman