We are about average in the number of investigators we have in relation to our population when compared to other states. As the number of case referrals go up, of course it would be nice to add a few more investigators. But as for deterring crime — it's not the quantity of investigators, it's the quality that counts. We have quality law enforcement officers.

How can insurers/adjusters/SIU in general work better with state departments of insurance? Can you offer any tips to insurers when referring cases?

It's important to foster communication between DOI investigators and SIUs from the get-go. We like to meet with the SIU shortly after receiving a referral from the company. At that meeting, we can let them know exactly what we need from the company in order to proceed with a successful investigation and prosecution. As long as we work hand in hand with the SIU throughout the investigation, we can avoid delays and misunderstandings. By keeping the SIU informed, we both know the direction of the investigation. When additional information is needed from the company, the SIU knows that immediately and also understands the reason for the request.

In insurance fraud, there's no end to the misguided creativity. What's your most memorable or noteworthy case?

The type of fraud that has me rooting for my investigators even harder these days is rate evasion. I've been in office more than 23 years, and during that time, I've worked hard to lower our auto insurance rates to sixth lowest in the nation. What do I get for my trouble? Drivers from New Jersey and other states that have skyrocketing auto insurance rates are faking their residency in North Carolina. They are taking advantage of our low rates when they don't really live here. I had no idea rate evasion was such a big problem until my chief deputy commissioner, a New Jersey native, shared this story. Her brother lives in a nice, normal neighborhood in Jersey. However, he recently counted more than 100 North Carolina tags on his neighbors' vehicles. All of those people — and possibly thousands like them — are cheating North Carolina's insurance companies and citizens. It's against the law, it's fraud — and we are working harder than ever to stop it.

Anything else you would like to add?

I'd like to congratulate all the staff of our Investigations Division for an excellent year in 2007. We arrested more than 100 people — a new record for our Department. Those men and women do a terrific job for the citizens of North Carolina, and they are to be commended.