Hey, Kids!
Q. What sources are available from ATF for my research project on firearms-related issues?
A. General reply:
While ATF is not a provider of reference research services for clients, the Bureau does make a variety of publications available on the Internet for those with research-related questions. You should explore the Bureau's website to view the announcements and publications that are relevant to your inquiry. The ATF Internet address is: http://www.atf.gov.
Possible sources of interest available at the ATF Internet site are such publications as Commerce in Firearms in the United States, February 2000; Following the Gun: Enforcing Federal Laws Against Firearms Traffickers (2000); and Crime Gun Trace Reports (1999): National Report. (The latter is published on behalf of ATF's Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII), whose other publications may be of use.)
You may access the
above-mentioned studies by keying in on "Publications," and
then on "Firearms and Explosives Publications ." For the YCGII
trace reports, you may also key in directly on--
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/ycgii/1999html/ycgii/introduction.htm
You might also want to look at the site of ATF's Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program at--
http://www.atf.gov/great/index.htm
Additionally, you should check the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics site, located at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/. Another possibility is the Library of Congress.
Finally, for questions that might have a local orientation, you should contact State or metropolitan police units throughout your area about any sources for compilations of the statistics or other information you are seeking. Another possible contact is a State entity such as a State Department of Justice or the office of your State Attorney General.
Q. What is the heraldry of the ATF seal?
DESCRIPTION
OF THE SEAL OF THE
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
On the Escutcheon
or shield - the sign of a defender - is a Chief of Sanguine (deep red),
which indicates the bearer of the shield (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives), through its achievements, has authority and wisdom. The sanguine
color of the Chief represents a patient victor, one not hasty in battle.
Also represented in the middle of the shield is a Chevron of Azure. This
Chevron denotes protection and service, and the azure color represents
strength and loyalty. Combined, they indicate ATF’s strength, loyalty,
service and protection to Justice, depicted by the Scales of Justice below
the Chevron. The Chevron of Azure also represents the past relationship
between ATF and the Department of the Treasury.
The Escutcheon stands
on a field of deeper blue representing vigilance, perseverance and justice
and is surrounded by a Laurel of Or (gold), symbolic of victory, and crowned
by three Mullets, or stars, of Or.
Around the Seal is
the name of the Bureau, and at the base, the year 1972, when the Bureau
was founded. The Seal is contained within a corded edge.
The Mullets and the
corded edge encasing the full seal are elements drawn from the Department
of Justice seal and represent the new inclusion of ATF within DOJ.
The Seal, as described above, was carefully designed to represent the
Bureau’s dedication to and accomplishments in achieving patient victory
in defense of Justice, as well as the interrelationship between ATF, The
Department of the Treasury and The Department of Justice.