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.
The mission of ATF is to protect communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.
The major functions of ATF are to:
- Reduce the risk to public safety caused by illegal 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.
- Improve public safety by increasing compliance with Federal laws and regulations by firearms industry members.
- Reduce the risk to public safety caused by bombs and explosives.
- Reduce the risk to public safety caused by criminal use of fire.
- 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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Updated September 9, 2014