State to Train Law Enforcement in Catching Financial Wrongdoers
Thursday, May 07, 2009 | 09:07am
NASHVILLE - The Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Securities Division will be providing instruction to law enforcement personnel in a one-day seminar on the recognition, reporting and investigation of financial crimes committed against unsuspecting Tennessee investors.
“Securities 101: A Handbook for Law Enforcement Officials – Securities Products, Regulation, Schemes and Scams” will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 11, 2009, at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA).
"As a state regulator, the Department enforces securities laws by investigating and taking actions against those who perpetrate frauds against unsuspecting investors,” says Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman. “We value our relationship with our law enforcement partners in Tennessee, and we are happy to provide whatever help we can in ensuring they are up to date on the kinds of schemes and frauds that criminals are trying to perpetrate in the securities field.”
“Con artists and swindlers who lie, cheat and steal investor money are committing felonies and engaging in criminal behavior,” says TLETA Director Brian Grisham, “just as are those who commit crimes with guns and other weapons.”
The seminar will educate law enforcement personnel on how to recognize securities products and investment instruments that are used to defraud Main Street investors. Interactive exercises and case presentations will be featured with ample time for questions throughout the day. Securities Division representatives will help students:
- recognize securities products
- understand registration requirements for products and the people who sell them under state and federal laws
- spot unscrupulous activity and
- work with fellow law enforcement personnel on how to address white collar crime.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. www.tn.gov/commerce/