Discussion and Analysis
ATF's complex tax collecting, regulatory, and enforcement missions are interwoven with unique responsibilities dedicated to reducing violent crime, collecting revenue, and protecting the public. ATF enforces the federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson by working directly and in cooperation with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
For management and budgetary purposes, the Bureau combines all criminal and regulatory enforcement activities into four major program areas:
Firearms
Explosives
Alcohol/Tobacco