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

WalletHub releases ‘Best and Worst States to be a Cop’ survey for 2024

Public Safety

List: WalletHub ranks best & worst states to be a police officer in 2025

California ranked #1 for the second year in a row, followed by Connecticut and Illinois; among the lowest on the list are Nevada, Hawaii and Alaska

May 06, 2025 07:26 AM

Joanna Putman

Public Safety

Atlanta’s $115M PD training center opens after 4 years

The facility hosts horse stables, a K-9 unit center, a driving course, a six-story rescue tower and a mock city to simulate real-world crisis scenarios for training

May 02, 2025 06:26 AM

Joanna Putman

Public Safety

Seattle PD sees 500% recruiting jump after launching pay incentives, expanded budget

In 2024, Seattle PD rolled out a package of incentives, including a $50,000 bonus for lateral recruits; the department has brought on 60 new officers in 2025

May 01, 2025 08:08 AM

Joanna Putman

Public Safety

N.M. sheriff’s office extends 4-day workweek pilot with 2 hours of wellness time per shift

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office’s 4/8/40 schedule pays deputies for working four 10-hour shifts, while they can use 2 hours per shift to work out, go to counseling or do other activities

April 28, 2025 06:29 AM

Joanna Putman

Public Health

S.C. sheriff’s office, government division partner to provide free Narcan through public boxes

The stands are accessible 24/7 and are designed to reduce stigma around obtaining and using Narcan

April 21, 2025 06:27 AM

Joanna Putman

Public Safety

San Francisco Real Time Investigation Center credited for 20% drop in crime

Police Chief Bill Scott said RTIC has enabled the department to target individuals who have “damaged our city,” including repeat offenders

April 18, 2025 06:59 AM

Joanna Putman

Grants

Ohio grant program awards $4.6M to support body camera programs

“Body-worn cameras have become an essential tool in law enforcement, and I’m pleased that we can help more local agencies equip their officers with them,” Gov. Mike DeWine stated

April 03, 2025 09:47 AM

Joanna Putman

7 Steps to a Successful Drone Program Starting a Police Department Drone Program.jpg

Technology & IT

‘Game changer’: Ill. PD to launch Drone as First Responder program

Oak Brook PD will use drones to respond to incidents such as burglaries, retail thefts and other in-progress crimes

March 28, 2025 06:56 AM

Joanna Putman

Ga. arts college awards PD $900K for public safety technology in grant program

Gov Grants Help

Ga. college awards police department $900K in grants for public safety technology

The grant, part of the SCAD SERVE Community Fund, will be used for public safety technology upgrades for the Savannah Police Department

March 22, 2025 02:05 PM

Joanna Putman

Grants

Senators push for $250M in grants to fund training, retention bonuses for small police departments

If passed, the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act would be available to PDs with 175 or fewer officers and would help cover training, mental health support and recruitment efforts

March 07, 2025 11:12 AM

Joanna Putman