SPECIAL NOTICE TO ALL FEDERAL EXPLOSIVES
LICENSEES AND PERMITTEES

Related Information

Report suspicious activity at 1-888-ATF-BOMB

The purpose of this letter is to advise all persons holding Federal explosives licenses or permits of heightened security precautions that should be taken in light of the events of September 11, 2001. In order to ensure that public safety concerns regarding the illegal use of explosives are properly addressed, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) requests that all Federal explosives licensees and permittees take the following steps immediately:

1. All licensees and permittees are requested to conduct a full inventory of all explosive items in their possession.

2. Any indication of shortages, losses, thefts, or otherwise unaccounted for explosives should be documented and reported to ATF immediately at 1-888-ATF-BOMB. ATF Form 5400.5, Theft or Loss of Explosive Materials, must also be prepared and sent to ATF.

3. Any indication of an attempted theft of explosive materials or actual or attempted magazine break-in should similarly be reported to ATF immediately.

4. You are also asked to call the hotline or your local ATF office to report any suspicious behavior or attempted explosives purchases by any person(s) unknown to you or who does not appear to have a legitimate need for explosives.

In addition to reporting thefts, losses, or suspicious activity to ATF, you should also notify the appropriate State and local law enforcement authorities of any of the above items.

Please keep the ATF hotline number (1-888-ATF-BOMB) available at your premises for immediate use should any of the above circumstances arise. Additional supplies of ATF I 5400.2, Explosives Warning Decal, with the ATF hotline number are available from your local ATF office.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Should you have any questions regarding this memorandum, please contact the Public Safety Branch in ATF Headquarters at (202) 927-7930.

Sincerely yours,
John P. Malone
Assistant Director
(Firearms, Explosives and Arson)