The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) was transferred as part of Homeland Security in 2003 from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice. The name was changed that year as well to the Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives although it continues to be known by the acronym ATF.
A new bureau was created within the Treasury Department called the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau because the tax and trade issues that used to be handled by ATF remained in the Treasury Department after the transfer.
Now a law enforcement agency inside the Department of Justice, the ATF is charged with protecting Americans from:
- criminal organizations
- violent criminals
- illegal use of firearms
- illegal distribution and sale of firearms
- illegal use of explosives
- illegal "diversion" of alcohol and tobacco
- arson
- bombings
- terrorism
The ATF conducts its law enforcement and citizen protection activities in three different, yet often related arenas:
- Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement
- Explosives Enforcement
-
Firearms Enforcement
Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement
Alcohol smuggling and contraband cigarette distribution and sales can fund terrorist activity as well as criminal activity, and cause considerable tax revenue losses. The identification and arrest of individuals and organizations who are involved in these activities can disrupt those illegal and malicious organizations.
Financial investigations conducted by ATF relating to these cases can result in the seizure of criminal assets, further hampering terrorist goals. ATF works with state and local officials to conduct interstate investigations.
Explosives Enforcement
This division of ATF is responsible for enforcing federal laws concerning arson, bombs and explosives. To do this they have a variety special tools:
- Bomb detecting dogs
- Explosion specialists
- Fire investigators
- Criminal profilers
- Explosive enforcement officers (bomb disposal)
The ATF also maintains a Bomb Data Center and a Bomb Arson Tracking System that collects and disseminates information about arson and explosives crimes in the US to nationwide law enforcement organizations.
Firearms Enforcement
ATF issues licenses for firearms and inspects licensees for compliance, which helps them identify and arrest those who are illegally selling and buying firearms. Violent crimes and illegal firearm use are twin problems. The ATF targets their enforcement and investigative efforts against armed career criminals, violent gangs, drug dealers and both domestic and international arms dealers.
Another role the ATF plays in firearms enforcement is to increase the awareness at the state and local level of mandatory sentencing laws that are available for some of these firearms related crimes if prosecuted at the federal level.
Get Legal Help
If you have any issues or concerns about an arrest or pending charges related to any of the areas that ATF is charged with enforcing, contact an attorney immediately. You need someone on your side, representing your interests who can independently review any evidence against you.
