Special Agents
Basic Agent Training
Basic special agent training for new hires consists of a two-part training program. The first part is the Criminal Investigators Training Program (CITP) delivered by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Department of Homeland Security, Glynco, Georgia. The CITP provides fundamental training in the techniques, concepts and methodologies of conducting criminal investigations. Some of the subjects covered in the training include training in firearms, physical techniques, driving techniques, handcuffing, interviewing, surveillance, crime scene management, photography, basic firearms training and federal court procedures.
The CITP lasts approximately 12 weeks. Each class consists of 48 students, of whom approximately half are ATF trainees. The remaining portion of the CITP class consists of students from other federal agencies.
The CITP requirement may be waived for new hires who have attended the CITP with another federal agency. Successful completion of CITP is mandatory to maintain employment.
The second part of training is the Special Agent Basic Training (SABT). SABT for special agent trainees is a demanding and intensive training program that covers a wide range of disciplines including firearms and ammunition identification; firearms trafficking; report writing, interviewing techniques; alcohol/tobacco diversion investigations; explosives and fire/arson investigations; firearms and tactical training, close quarter countermeasures; field operations, undercover techniques; and physical conditioning. The SABT consists of approximately 15 weeks of training with a class of 24 student trainees.
The SABT is designed to meet all the foundational requirements of a newly hired ATF special agent trainee. Successful completion of SABT is mandatory to maintain employment.
During training at the ATF National Academy, special agent trainees will be required to learn and subsequently adhere to, the Special Agent General Orders. These orders set the foundation for a safe and successful career as an ATF special agent.