Florida Department of Financial Services Enhances Law Enforcement Strategy with Newly-Formed Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Jul 29, 2016
In his Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services (“Division”) newsletter published today, July 29, 2016, Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater reminded about the recent transition involving law enforcement units housed within the Florida Department of Financial Services (“DFS”).
Three sworn law enforcement units now operate under the direction of the DFS, which is led by CFO Atwater:
- The Division of Insurance Fraud
- The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations
- The Office of Fiscal Integrity.
To create greater efficiencies and to streamline the way the DFS does business, these units were combined into the newly-formed Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (also known as DIFS), effective July 1, 2016.
“As a nationally-recognized leader in the fight against fraud, our ability to share intelligence and resources is vital to our continued success,” CFO Atwater wrote today. “We must continually adjust our methods and adapt our techniques to match these ever-evolving crimes and by combining forces, we’re able to extend our reach and do more to protect the people of Florida from falling victim to acts of insurance fraud, arson, and the misuse of state funds.”
Previously housed separately, the Division of Insurance Fraud, the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations, and the Office of Fiscal Integrity each serve a different function in Florida’s fight against fraud. The Division of Insurance Fraud investigates reports of insurance fraud that drive up the cost of insurance rates in Florida, the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations examines signs of arson on fire scenes, and the Office of Fiscal Integrity addresses allegations of fraud, waste and abuse involving state funds.
The DFS’ Office of Communications will continue to serve as the primary liaison with the news media for any inquiries about investigations, regulations, and activities involving the new Division of Investigative and Forensic Services.
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