Civil Penalties

(1) With respect to any person, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or entity that is licensed or required to be licensed as a private investigator or private investigations company, the Commissioner may, in addition to or in lieu of any other lawful disciplinary action, assess a civil penalty against such person, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or entity for each separate violation of a statute, rule, or order pertaining to the Commissioner in accordance with the following schedule: Violation Penalty (a) T.C.A. § 62-26-217(a)(1) $1 - $2,000 (b) T.C.A. § 62-26-217(a)(2) $1 - $2,000 (c) T.C.A. § 62-26-217(a)(3) $1 - $2,000 (d) T.C.A. § 62-26-217(a)(4) $1 - $2,000 (e) T.C.A. § 62-26-217(a)(5) $1 - $2,000 (2) In determining the amount of any civil penalty to be assessed pursuant to this rule, the Commissioner may consider such factors as the following: (a) Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violator; (b) The circumstances leading to the violation; (c) The severity of the violation or risk of harm to the public; (d) The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of non-compliance; and (e) The interest of the public.