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

Command Staff - Chiefs / Sheriffs

Ga. sheriff suspended by governor following physical altercation with police officer

The 2024 incident unfolded when Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson allegedly berated and physically confronted a Hiawassee officer for mishandling a deputy’s firearm

October 22, 2025 01:45 PM

Joanna Putman

Arrests and Sentencing

‘Cycle of catch and release’: N.C. PD calls out repeat offenders, including juvenile arrested 111 times

While the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s quarterly report showed a drop in crime, officials expressed frustration that 60% of arrests for violent crimes were repeat offenders

October 22, 2025 11:18 AM

Joanna Putman

Investigations

Former Calif. deputy grabs officer’s gun, fatally shoots self in hospital

The former Madera County deputy was being arrested by Fresno police when he resisted and was tased; he was taken to a hospital, where he attacked an officer and took his gun

October 22, 2025 11:08 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC shows shootout with suspect wearing body armor who shot, wounded 2 N.M. officers

The suspect was found to have multiple firearms, body armor, a gas mask and explosive materials during the 1.5-hour standoff with New Mexico officers, deputies, troopers and SWAT

October 21, 2025 01:39 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

25-year-old Calif. officer struck by car, killed while responding to crash

La Mesa PD Officer Lauren Craven encountered the crash while returning from the San Diego Central Jail and stopped to help; she had served with the department for nearly two years

October 21, 2025 12:37 PM

Joanna Putman

Police Recruitment

Chicago suburb furloughs police, fire personnel amid financial crisis

Due to ongoing debt payments to the state, the Harvey City Council declared the city “financially distressed” and furloughed 69 of 167 employees, including first responders

October 21, 2025 11:31 AM

Joanna Putman

Police Recruitment

‘We back the blue’: Texas PD’s new chief, recruitment video drive surge in applicants

Nearly 4,000 applications have been submitted to Fort Worth PD in 2025; 1,728 of the department’s 1,906 positions are currently filled

October 20, 2025 12:07 PM

Joanna Putman

Arrests and Sentencing

‘I can hurt you’: Suspect grabs Utah officer’s gun, kicks another during arrest

The suspect, who had allegedly assaulted the mother of his children in her home, told officers he was allowed to hurt them since they came into “his house”

October 20, 2025 11:02 AM

Joanna Putman

Pursuit

Video: Suspect tased after fleeing wrong way on Mich. highway

Dash cam footage from the Livingston County Sheriff’s office shows the suspect traveling directly into traffic at high speeds

October 20, 2025 10:47 AM

Joanna Putman

Pursuit

Video: Wash. deputies use PIT maneuvers to stop stolen box truck, rescue suspects after crash

After unsuccessful attempts, the pursuing Pierce County deputies were able to PIT the truck, causing it to crash off the road; they then rescued two occupants and took them into custody

October 17, 2025 12:32 PM

Joanna Putman