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

Mounted Police

After winter storm caused power outage, a Tenn. PD officer stayed in mounted unit stables to save horses’ lives

Metro Nashville Police Mounted Unit Officer Michael Douglas tended to horses alone for three days, left without assistance due to downed trees and icy roads

February 19, 2026 12:04 PM

Joanna Putman

Securing 2026: What every agency must have in place for high-risk events

Bill would allow law enforcement to take down nefarious drones during 2026 World Cup

The Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act would allow state and local agencies to apply for authorization to disable drones during major events, including the 2026 World Cup

February 19, 2026 11:22 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Fla. trooper dies from medical emergency during assessment exercise at state LE academy

Trooper Michael Diego was participating in a “competitive process” for FHP’s Criminal Interdiction Unit at the agency’s training academy when he became unresponsive

February 19, 2026 09:48 AM

Joanna Putman

NYPD

BWC: NYPD cops rescue injured bald eagle stranded on ice float

Using a catch pole and a plastic tarp, the officers were able to pull the eagle to safety on the boat

February 18, 2026 04:13 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Pursuit ends with PIT maneuver before driver shoots at Minn. deputies

St. Louis County deputies returned fire, fatally wounding the driver, who initially fled a traffic stop

February 18, 2026 12:43 PM

Joanna Putman

Arrests and Sentencing

BWC: Colo. officers find 3 children in trunk during suspected DUI stop

After being handcuffed, the driver told Westminster Police officers, “My kids are in the trunk,” leading to the discovery of three children inside

February 18, 2026 12:20 PM

Joanna Putman

Law Enforcement Policies

Detroit PD chief says he will fire officers who contacted Border Patrol during traffic stops

In 2025 incidents, an officer investigating a felony warrant contacted CBP after suspecting the individual was not a U.S. citizen and a sergeant called CBP for translation help

February 17, 2026 11:06 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man lures Wash. officers with fake 911 call, slashes one across the face in knife ambush

Video shows the suspect speaking with Bellevue officers before producing a knife and slashing one in the face; when the officer fell, the man tried to stab him in the back

February 17, 2026 10:41 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Ind. officer fatally shot, second officer wounded

Officer Brian Elliott was responding to a call when he and another officer were shot; Elliott later died from his injuries

February 17, 2026 09:41 AM

Joanna Putman

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Community Relations

Ohio brothers sell first responder T-shirts to raise money for children’s cancer research

2BUnited, founded by Jacob and Carter with guidance and support from their parents, partnered with Briarwood Products to raise money for St. Jude. Children’s Research Hospital

February 16, 2026 05:06 PM

Joanna Putman