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

Legal

Calif. law requiring federal officers to wear identification blocked by federal appeals court

The law is likely unconstitutional, as it attempted to directly regulate a federal agency in violation of the Supremacy Clause, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled

April 22, 2026 05:54 PM

Joanna Putman

Legal

Former Mo. lieutenant awarded $6.3M in discrimination suit

Former St. Louis County PD lieutenant Mike Reifschneider alleged he was not invited to a ceremony honoring officers’ response to an active shooter incident after being nominated for an award

April 22, 2026 05:14 PM

Joanna Putman

Investigations

Ohio PD disbands, all officers let go due to legal issues with its creation

The Pleasantville Police Department was abolished after village leaders learned it was set up without proper public hearings over its funding when it was founded in 2023

April 22, 2026 11:24 AM

Joanna Putman

Vehicle Incidents and Issues

‘Deliberate act': Man drives car into Philadelphia Police station lobby, injuring 5

The man crashed into the station shortly after he was involved in a domestic call, Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner Kevin Bethel stated

April 21, 2026 05:01 PM

Joanna Putman

Use of Force

Qualified immunity for officer denied after appeals court finds use of force ‘unreasonable’ in fatal OIS

The court stated that the hatchet-wielding man was at least 25 feet away when a Chesterfield County officer fired, ruling that the suspect did not pose an immediate threat

April 21, 2026 12:40 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Okla. deputy killed, police chief wounded in ambush shooting and hours-long standoff

A man inside a home shot at officers immediately as they arrived to perform a welfare check in Wister; LeFlore County Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay was killed in the shootout

April 21, 2026 09:58 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer Misconduct / Internal Affairs

4 Ga. troopers fired for filing personal injury claims in pursuit crashes

The cases reportedly targeted other involved drivers’ minimal insurance limits, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Office of Professional Standards

April 21, 2026 09:08 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

Manslaughter charges dropped against Calif. cops in 2018 OIS

Torrance PD officers instructed Christopher De’Andre Mitchell to get out of a suspected stolen vehicle when he reached for what appeared to be a gun

April 17, 2026 11:41 AM

Joanna Putman

Body Camera

BWC: Man fleeing in U-Haul crashes into oncoming traffic, points gun at Calif. cops before OIS

The suspect surrendered to Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies after barricading himself and pointing a gun at them, prompting them to open fire

April 16, 2026 12:36 PM

Joanna Putman

Body Camera

BWC: N.J. officers, including rookie on first solo shift, help save driver suffering medical emergency

A Washington Township officer on his first solo shift performed CPR on an unresponsive driver while fellow officers delivered multiple AED shocks after a crash

April 16, 2026 12:05 PM

Joanna Putman