About ATF Info
Special Message From the Director
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shares in the mission, common to all of our Nation’s law enforcement agencies, of protecting the public. We contribute to this goal by working to reduce violent crime and prevent terrorism. As part of the Justice Department, ATF is positioned to be even more effective, safeguarding the American public by enforcing Federal laws on firearms, explosives, and arson.
ATF makes a vital contribution to law enforcement’s efforts to reduce violent firearms crime, enforcing Federal laws and contributing to American efforts against terrorism. We identify, investigate and recommend the prosecution of a wide range of firearms offenders, and ensure that firearms stay out of the hands of those who cannot possess them legally. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, ATF collaborates with Federal, State and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders nationwide to fight violent crime and safeguard America’s neighborhoods from armed criminals.
ATF’s expertise and resources in the area of explosives and arson are vital to the interagency effort to protect Americans from terrorism. Our investigative and inspection programs work to detect and deter terrorists’ use of firearms and explosives. Americans are also made safer by ATF’s efforts to prevent illegal trafficking in alcohol and tobacco. Our enforcement activities in the area of alcohol and tobacco diversion eliminate one source of funding for terrorist organizations and organized criminals. ATF is providing robust support for interagency counterterrorism efforts, and we are eager to work with other agencies against this common enemy.
We are a strong, professional agency that embraces the future, and I am proud of the employees who so diligently work toward accomplishing our goals. ATF will continue its tradition of working with other agencies toward our common goal: protecting the American people from threats to their freedom and safety.
Carl J. Truscott