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 Down

Ky. deputy dies after suffering medical episode

Chief Deputy Burl Wesley Everman suffered a fatal heart attack after responding to a burglary call on Nov. 9, 2024

February 07, 2025 05:57 PM

Joanna Putman

Search and Rescue

Video: Calif. deputy pulls woman from vehicle rapidly submerging in floodwaters

Marin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Dawson broke a tailgate window for the driver to escape, pulling them to safety just before the car fully submerged

February 07, 2025 11:28 AM

Joanna Putman

‘The sheriff is here to help’: Ohio sheriff responds to criticism of ‘illegal aliens here’ sign by sharing petition

Command Staff - Chiefs / Sheriffs

‘The sheriff is here to help’: Ohio sheriff shares petition after criticism of ‘illegal aliens here’ sign

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office posted that if community members were opposed to the sign, posted outside the county jail, they should sign a Change.org petition

February 07, 2025 11:17 AM

Joanna Putman

Streamlight® ProTac® HL-X Selected By FBI as Tactical Flashlight

Flashlights

FBI selects Streamlight ProTac HL-X as official tactical flashlight

Streamlight and Tactical Express partnered to supply the tactical lights to FBI Academy’s Firearms trainees and make them available for purchase across other divisions

February 06, 2025 05:23 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Suspect grabs, fires Houston officer’s gun before fatal OIS

After an officer warned that the suspect was attempting to get control of his firearm, another officer fired multiple shots, fatally wounding the suspect

February 06, 2025 12:32 PM

Joanna Putman

Law Enforcement Policies

Calif. sheriff’s office ends response to non-criminal mental health calls after qualified immunity ruling

The change follows the Scott v. Smith decision, in which a court ruled a fatal use of force in a mental health response unjustified and questioned if LEOs should have been involved

February 06, 2025 12:22 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Down

Del. officer paralyzed during 1984 helicopter training dies from injury complications

Delaware State Police Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly was paralyzed when a helicopter flipped on its side during a practice landing; he had served with DSP for seven years

February 05, 2025 02:37 PM

Joanna Putman

Officer Safety

SFPD officers injured in ‘unprovoked attack’ while sitting in cruiser

Two officers were seated in a parked cruiser when a man approached the vehicle, opened the door, and began to strike them

February 05, 2025 12:20 PM

Joanna Putman

Neb. city extends program allowing police, fire chiefs to work past retirement

Command Staff - Chiefs / Sheriffs

Neb. city expands program allowing police, fire chiefs to work past retirement

The ordinance enables the city’s police and fire chiefs to extend their participation in the Deferred Retirement Option Program by an additional three to five years

February 05, 2025 11:55 AM

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

Video: Ill. officer dragged by suspect’s vehicle before fatal OIS

The Rock Island County state’s attorney ruled that Officer Brett Taylor’s use of force was “objectively reasonable” as the suspect used the vehicle as a deadly weapon

February 04, 2025 11:49 AM

Joanna Putman