Organization, Mission and Functions Manual: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Organization Chart text version

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) was established as a separate component within the Department of Justice pursuant to Title XI of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, on January 17, 2003.

ATF protects the public from crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, and the diversion of tobacco products; regulates lawful commerce in firearms and explosives; and provides worldwide support to law enforcement, public safety, and industry partners.

The major functions of ATF are to:

• Reduce the risk to public safety caused by illegal domestic and international firearms trafficking.
   
• Reduce the risk to public safety caused by criminal possession and use of firearms.
   
• Reduce the risk to public safety caused by criminal organizations and gangs.
   
• Reduce the risk to public safety caused by arson and the unlawful use of bombs and explosives.
   
• Improve public safety by increasing compliance with federal laws and regulations by firearms industry members.
   
• Improve public safety by increasing compliance with federal laws and regulations by explosives industry members.
   
• Reduce the loss of tax revenues caused by contraband alcohol and tobacco trafficking.

ATF Field Offices

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