Hartman becomes first female to lead Florida Public Safety Institute

Special to the Outlook 

Janet Hartman has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Florida Public Safety Institute, becoming the first woman to serve in the position.

Her appointment, which was announced by TCC Jim Murdaugh, Ph.D., president of Tallahassee Community College, became effective last Thursday. Hartman replaces Steve Outlaw who will leave TCC on June 30, after assisting with the transition.

“Janet Hartman’s significant experience in public safety and training, skills in leadership, and passion for public service make her the ideal candidate to become FPSI’s next executive director,” said Murdaugh. “The Institute is one of the largest and most well-respected public safety training centers in the country, but there is plenty of room for growth. I look forward to working with her to take it to the next level.”

Hartman has more than 30 years of experience in public safety, having begun her career as a law enforcement officer with the Florida Capitol Police. She later went on to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection where she served as a law enforcement training lieutenant in the Office of Public Education and Training for six years before transitioning to the Florida Department of Financial Services where she served as the Major of Special Operations. 

Following that, Hartman became the Chief of Law Enforcement and later Deputy Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Most recently, she served as the Chief of General Operations for the Bureau of Health Care Practitioner Regulation at the Florida Department of Health.

In addition to Hartman’s professional experience, she is an alum of both Florida Public Safety Institute’s Law Enforcement Academy and TCC, having earned her certificate in Law Enforcement from FPSI in 1996 and her Associate of Arts degree from the College in 2013. She also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to serve as executive director of such an outstanding institution,” said Hartman. “Having started my career on FPSI’s campus and as a graduate of the law enforcement academy, in many ways it feels like I am coming home. My personal passions are public safety and public service. This role gives me the opportunity to bring those two together to give back to my community and all the communities we serve.”