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: Driver involved in suspected drug activity nearly hits Baltimore officer with car before OIS

Baltimore officers pursued the suspect vehicle until it crashed into a barrier on a dead-end road; when officers approached the vehicle, the driver suddenly reversed in the direction of an officer

January 13, 2026 11:21 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Calif. police commander dies while on training trip

“[Commander Scott Aaron] served our department and community with the utmost dedication, compassion, and professionalism,” Oxnard PD Chief Jason Benites stated

January 12, 2026 05:40 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

Ore. PD chief becomes emotional while confirming pair injured in Border Patrol shooting had Tren de Aragua ties

Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed reports by DHS that the individuals who allegedly drove at agents before the shooting were tied to the gang

January 12, 2026 12:52 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Texas officer shot, killed by suspect who then died by suicide after standoff

Copperas Cove Officer Elijah Garretson, 27, joined the PD seven months ago and earned the Academic Award after graduating with the highest GPA in his academy class

January 12, 2026 10:53 AM

Joanna Putman

Police Heroes

Fla. deputy shot in face during ambush shooting released from hospital

“This journey has been a long and painful road — not only for Erik, but for his family, who have carried this weight with unwavering strength, faith, and love,” the Port St. Lucie PD said

January 09, 2026 05:39 PM

Joanna Putman

Police Recruitment

Pay disparity with local police slows hiring for Hawaii’s state agency, department leader says

Officers with the Honolulu Police Department received a 27% raise over four years, causing a pay gap that earns police officers up to $48K more than rookie state deputies

January 09, 2026 12:06 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC video shows ‘very chaotic scene’ that left 3 N.Y. officers wounded, suspect dead

A suspect repeatedly shot at Rochester officers, wounding three across two different locations; a civilian also fired shots in the gunfight and was wounded

January 09, 2026 11:37 AM

Joanna Putman

Legal

Texas board reinstates LE license for officer acquitted of deadly conduct in fatal shooting

Christopher Taylor’s conviction for deadly conduct was overturned by an appeals court, clearing him of all charges related to the 2019 fatal shooting

January 08, 2026 04:58 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Safety

Mo. trooper seriously injured after pickup crosses center line, hits cruiser head-on

A pickup truck veered across the centerline and crashed into Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Colin Osborne’s cruiser; a passenger in the pickup died in the crash

January 08, 2026 12:55 PM

Joanna Putman

K-9

BWC shows moments leading up to fatal shooting of Calif. PD K-9 by fleeing gang member

K-9 Spike was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of an armed suspect who was fleeing a traffic stop

January 08, 2026 12:21 PM

Joanna Putman