Thursday, January 24, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY–Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has created an Advisory Board to increase the effectiveness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Unit. The board includes four legislators, a county undersheriff, a police chief and two professors of criminal justice.
“The advisory board will serve a significant purpose in our fight against insurance fraud,” said Doak. “The board’s extensive knowledge and experience will be another valuable tool at our investigators’ disposal. I look forward to the tremendous work they will do together.”
The board includes: Sen. Bill Brown, R – Broken Arrow, Rep. Dan Kirby, R – Tulsa, Rep. Mike Christian, R – Oklahoma City, Rep. John Bennett, R – Sallisaw, Thom Parr, Criminal Justice Professor at East Central University and CLEET instructor, Dr. Robert Scott, Dean of College of Education and Technology at Fort Hays State University, Tulsa County Undersheriff Tim Albin and Miami Chief of Police George Haralson. The advisory board, along with OID Anti-Fraud Director Michael Copelandand Deputy Commissioner Owen Laughlin, will meet twice a year to discuss Oklahoma Insurance Department investigations that resulted in criminal charges, offer suggestions and collaborate on statewide efforts.
“My hope and goal is to assist the Commissioner in what he has been tasked to do in our state, which includes identifying insurance fraud and catching the perpetrators,” said Rep. Kirby. “Our purpose will be to use our collected years of experience to advise Commissioner Doak and the Anti-Fraud Unit on fraud issues and investigations throughout Oklahoma.”
Other advisory board members applauded Doak’s efforts.
“I am honored to have been asked to be a part of the advisory board and look forward to working with the other board members on the issue of insurance fraud,” said Sen. Brown. “Commissioner Doak is working hard towards eliminating fraud in Oklahoma and the Anti-Fraud Advisory Board will help make a difference.”
“It is important to understand that insurance fraud is a crime and often relates to other serious crimes,” said Haralson. “Information is vital for efficient law enforcement and the Anti-Fraud Advisory Board provides an opportunity to coordinate statewide efforts and experience to deliver that information. I am honored to be a part of this endeavor.”
“Insurance fraud is a big problem nationwide and seemingly only getting worse,” Dr. Scott said. “I believe there is a requirement to do something about combating fraud and this advisory board is vital in order to pay attention to the seriousness of insurance fraud.”
The Anti-Fraud Advisory Board will hold its first meeting later this year.
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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For more information contact:
Kelly Collins
(405) 522-0683
kelly.collins@oid.ok.gov