Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal law enforcement agency in the United States Department of Justice. It was founded in 1972.
ATF Mission Statement
The ATF cites its mission as protecting the citizens of the United States from:
• violent crime
• criminal organizations
• illegal use of firearms
• trafficking of firearms
• illegal use of explosives
• illegal storage of explosives
• acts of arson
• acts of bombing
• acts of terrorism
• illegal diversion of alcohol
• illegal diversion of tobacco products
ATF and Federal Laws
The ATF upholds federal law pertaining to firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol and tobacco products and violent crime under U.S. laws, codes and regulations. The ATF identifies, investigates and recommends for prosecution individuals and organizations who are involved in the commission of crimes involving laws such as:
• The Gun Control Act
• National Firearms Act
• Arms Export Control Act
• National Instant Criminal Background Check System Regulations
• Non-Mailable Firearms Regulations
• Safe Explosives Act
ATF and the Public
The ATF provides the U.S. public with information, research and training regarding crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, bombings and diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. In doing so the ATF works with communities, industries and other law enforcement entities including federal, state, local, tribal and international law enforcement.
Firearms
The ATF operates according to Title 18 of the United States Code. Title 18 provides sentencing guidelines for armed career criminals and traffickers of narcotics. The ATF investigates violent crimes in which offenders are armed. Investigations include cases involving career criminals, violent gangs, those involved in narcotics trafficking and firearms trafficking domestically and internationally. The ATF issues firearm licenses and enforces the need for firearm licenses. The ATF inspects for licensing qualifications and compliance with firearm marketing and acquisition law. The ATF enforces federal requirements for purchasing guns and firearms trade internationally as in Project Gunrunner an ATF program used to curb the trafficking of firearms into Mexico for use by violent drug cartels.
Firearms Trace Data
The ATF maintains records and publishes reports for federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement entities in which firearms are traced in their sale and possession. These records and reports are done through the ATF Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information. That office prepares state-by-state reports in which firearm tracing data is provided. These reports contain such information as numbers of firearms recovered from criminal activity, the types of firearms recovered and the origin of firearms recovered.
Violent Crime Impact Teams (VCIT)
The ATF has established the Violent Crime Impact Team (VCIT) program in an effort to reduce homicides and other violence in which firearms are used. Violent Crime Impact Teams focus their efforts on communities and such crimes as firearm trafficking and other violent activity involving firearms such as street gang activity and home invasion. VCIT programs use informants and undercover techniques in their investigations.
Arson and Explosives Enforcement
The ATF is responsible for administering and enforcing federal law governing arson, destructive devices, and explosives. The ATF investigates crime involving these with the use of accelerant and explosives detection canines, certified explosives specialists, certified fire investigators, criminal profilers, explosives enforcement officers, international and national response teams, the U.S. Bomb Data Center and the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS).
Accelerant and Explosive Detection Canines
Accelerant and explosive detection canines are trained and used by the ATF to find accelerants, explosives and post-blast evidence. ATF canines are trained to detect explosive liquids and powders and are used to prevent crimes using these. ATF canines can also detect hidden firearms and ammunition and find evidence after crimes have been committed using accelerants and explosive powders.
The US Bomb Data Center
The ATF maintains the US Bomb Data Center (USBDC). The US Bomb Data Center is responsible for the collection and analysis of information used by ATF agents in the investigation of the criminal use of explosives and arson. The USBDC, through the National Explosives Tracing Center (NETC), traces and maintains records of explosive products from their manufacture to use including criminal diversion and recovery.
National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
The ATF provides ballistic services to other law enforcement agencies through the NIBIN. The NIBIN uses digital imaging in the processing and analysis of ballistic evidence used in criminal investigations. NIBIN investigates links between violent crimes using the markings on bullet casings found at crime scenes.
Most Wanted
The ATF provides a list of criminals at large wanted for arrest on charges within the scope of the ATF. Individuals on the ATF Most Wanted List include those wanted for firearm trafficking, commission of violent crimes involving firearms, commission of crimes involving explosives and/or arson and the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.
ATF National Response Team (NRT)
The National Response Team responds to incidents of significant fire and explosion in the U.S. utilizing canines, forensic specialists, schematic artists, chemists, engineers and other specially trained personnel to investigate fire and explosion incidents.
ATF Special Agents
Special agents of the ATF are empowered by federal law to enforce any statute in the United States Code. ATF special agents are the primary investigators in any crime involving firearms, explosives or cigarette smuggling. ATF special agents also investigate violations of the Controlled Substances Act and may work independently of the DEA in cases involving narcotics.
ATF special agents typically have worked in local or state law enforcement prior to employment with the ATF. Special agents are trained in a 27 week program in Glynco, Georgia at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and enter a 3 year probationary period when placed in the field. ATF special agents receive a top secret security clearance.
ATF Inspectors and Investigators
ATF inspectors and investigators act with administrative authority and are not armed law enforcement officers. ATF inspectors and investigators conduct inspections for compliance with the federal firearms and explosives laws and regulations.
ATF Publications
The ATF provides information to the public and law enforcement agencies through the ATF Distribution Center. Publications address a wide range of information about firearms, arson and explosives.
