ATF – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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Arson & Explosives Enforcement

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the Federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the Federal laws pertaining to destructive devices (bombs), explosives, and arson. Over nearly 40 years, ATF has developed scientifically proven investigative capabilities, expertise, and resources that have positioned ATF as the Nation’s primary source for explosives and fire investigative knowledge and assistance. To accomplish its mission, ATF has multiple tools at its disposal, including:

• Accelerant and Explosives Detection Canines: Canines specially trained to detect explosives, explosives residue, and accelerants to assist law enforcement.
• Certified Explosives Specialists: Special agents trained in explosives investigations, the disposal of explosive materials, and all facets of the commercial explosives industry.
• Certified Fire Investigators: Special agents trained to conduct fire origin and cause determinations and testify as expert witnesses on their findings.
• Criminal Investigative Analysis: ATF’s criminal profilers offer their assistance in geographic and behavioral profiling to law enforcement agencies around the world.
• Explosives Enforcement Officers: ATF’s primary resource when it comes to technical assistance and support in explosives matters, including bomb disposal.
• Explosives Research and Development: ATF studies emerging technologies for identifying and detecting explosives and explosives effects, behavior, and devices.
• The International and National Response Teams: Veteran special agents with postblast and origin-and-cause expertise who help Federal, State, and local investigators meet the challenges of significant arson and explosives incidents. They also provide foreign governments with technical/forensic assistance and oversight in arson and explosives investigations when requested.
• The U.S. Bomb Data Center and the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS): The U.S. Bomb Data Center is a national collection center for information on arson and explosives related incidents throughout the United States. This information is available to law enforcement and public safety agencies through the Bomb Arson Tracking System.

• Bomb Arson Tracking System

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