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

BWC: Man runs into senior living home, strikes Ill. officer with chainsaw before fatal OIS

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man with chainsaw runs into senior living home, strikes Ill. officer before fatal OIS

The state’s attorney’s office concluded that the St. Charles Police Department officer who fired the fatal shot acted within the law, using deadly force to prevent harm

March 19, 2025 12:52 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

2 Texas sheriff’s office members die by suicide within days

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christina Kohler and retired deputy Maria Vasquez died within days of each other in separate instances

March 19, 2025 12:34 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Safety

Ark. officer seriously injured after tornado throws cruiser

Diaz Police Sergeant Richard Morris was inside his vehicle when the EF-4 tornado, with peak winds of 190 mph, lifted it and tossed it several feet

March 18, 2025 12:49 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man tries to use hostage as human shield, threatens Ohio officers before fatal OIS

The man used what was later determined to be a pellet gun to force a bystander out of the apartment where he was hiding; he then approached an officer with the gun raised

March 18, 2025 11:56 AM

Joanna Putman

Arrests and Sentencing

‘Do better’: Man arrested more than a dozen times since Jan. attempts to strangle N.Y. officer

Middletown PD said the man, who has had more than 25 encounters with police since January, was taken to receive mental health treatment and promptly released each time

March 18, 2025 10:32 AM

Joanna Putman

Calif. deputy killed, cruiser torn in half by pole in crash during pursuit

Officer Down

Calif. deputy killed, cruiser torn in half in crash during pursuit

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., a six-year law enforcement veteran, was described as a dedicated officer and father

March 18, 2025 10:09 AM

Joanna Putman

‘Good boy’: K-9 tracks burglary suspect, leading to arrest, video shows

K-9

‘Good boy’: Ga. K-9 tracks burglary suspect, leading to arrest, video shows

Cobb County Police Department K-9 Ace can be seen on body camera footage leading officers to a cluttered garage, where the suspect eventually surrendered without incident

March 17, 2025 03:30 PM

Joanna Putman

Firearms Training

Wash. police academy bans SIG Sauer P320 after unintended discharge incident

Two were injured after a recruit fired a shot to the ground; the recruit alleges he did not touch the trigger, while Sig Sauer maintains the P320 handgun cannot fire without a trigger pull

March 17, 2025 12:45 PM

Joanna Putman

BWC: Man drives car into lake, approaches Texas officer with knife before OIS

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Suspect drives car into lake, raises knife at Texas officer before OIS

The San Antonio Park Police officer fired a shot at the man as he walked toward her with a knife; the man was struck but continued to get closer, leading the officer to fire another shot

March 17, 2025 10:58 AM

Joanna Putman

Pursuit

Colo. PD updates policy to allow pursuits of DUI drivers, suspects in stolen vehicles

Aurora Chief Todd Chamberlain said he hopes the policy change will disrupt the cycle of crime tied to stolen vehicles, such as carjackings and related offenses

March 14, 2025 01:03 PM

Joanna Putman