ATF Explosives Programs

Accelerant and Explosives Detection Canines

The ATF explosives detection canine, a graduate of ATF’s 10 week explosive detection training program, has been conditioned to detect explosives, explosives residue, and postblast evidence. As a bonus, because of their conditioning to smokeless powder and other explosive fillers, ATF trained explosives detection canines can detect firearms and ammunition hidden in containers and vehicles, on persons and buried underground.

Ammonium Nitrate Security

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is committed to keeping explosives out of the hands of those with criminal intent and prosecuting those who illegally obtain or misuse explosives. While ATF is primarily concerned with law enforcement and regulatory duties, we also strive to work and consult with the industries we regulate and the businesses, agencies, and groups that affect them..

Certified Explosives Specialists (CES)

Certified Explosives Specialists (CES) are ATF’s primary resource in explosives-related matters. CESs are special agents who are highly trained in explosives investigations, the disposal of explosive materials, and all facets of the commercial explosives industry.

Certified Fire Investigators (CFI)

ATF Certified Fire Investigators (CFIs) are the only investigators trained by a Federal law enforcement agency to qualify as expert witnesses in fire origin and cause determinations.

Criminal Investigative Analysis

Since 1986, ATF has had special agent/criminal profilers assigned to the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) in Quantico, Virginia.

Explosives Enforcement Officers (EEO)

ATF’s Explosives Enforcement Officers (EEOs) offer unequaled technical expertise in the bomb disposal and explosives fields. They are ATF’s primary resource when it comes to technical assistance and support in explosives matters.

Explosives Research & Development

ATF’s Explosives Technology Branch also focuses on explosives research and development. This research involves the characterization of explosives effects, behavior, and devices using all types of explosives (military, commercial, and homemade or improvised).

International Response Team

Part of the National Response Team Program, the International Response Team (IRT) is the result of an agreement between ATF and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). The agreement originally allowed ATF to assist in the investigation of select fire and postblast scenes where the DSS has investigative responsibility.

National Response Team

In 1978, ATF developed a national response capability to help Federal, State, and local investigators meet the challenges of significant arson and explosives incidents. This capability, the National Response Team (NRT), consists of four geographically located response teams that can respond anywhere in the United States within 24 hours to assist State and local investigators.