ATF Special Agent
The career of an ATF special agent is unique and one of the most challenging in federal law enforcement. Headquartered in Washington, DC, ATF has field offices throughout the United States and its territories. Highly trained special agents are responsible for investigating violations of federal laws relating to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. These investigations involve surveillance, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining and executing search warrants, and searching for physical evidence.
The profession of special agent is exciting and rewarding. Special agents must be tough both physically and mentally. They must also be able to handle rigorous training, personal risks, irregular hours, and extensive travel. Special agents are subject to reassignment to any ATF office in the United States, to include any U.S. territory or ATF overseas assignment.
Industry operations investigators are the backbone of the ATF regulatory mission. Their work is primarily investigative and routinely involves contact with, and interviews of, individuals from all walks of life and all levels of industry and government. Investigations and inspections pertain to the industries and persons regulated by ATF (e.g., firearms and explosives users, dealers, importers, exporters, manufacturers, wholesalers, etc.); and are under the jurisdiction of the Gun Control Act, National Firearms Act, Arms Export Control Act, Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and other Federal firearms and explosives laws and regulations.
- Conducting investigations and inspections designed to carry out the Federal government's regulatory responsibilities pertaining to the firearms and explosives industries. Identifying evidence of falsification of records, inventories and document discrepancies through the analysis and examination of records, documents, and reports. Referring violations to special agents for further action.
- Determining if persons desiring to enter business in the regulated industries meet established legal requirements for obtaining a federal permit or license. Conducting interviews, inspecting buildings, and performing routine background investigations to determine suitability. Preparing reports detailing results of investigations and inspections, and recommending further action when necessary.
- Utilizing knowledge of the Federal and state laws involving commerce in alcohol and tobacco, providing assistance to senior industry operations investigators, who are working with special agents on alcohol and tobacco diversion investigations. Verifying inventories and utilizing intelligence data to analyze records and examining business operations.
- Participating in conferences and discussions with Bureau officials concerning investigations and inspections. Developing presentations for industry associations and the public