ATF’s Valuable Partnership with State and Local Bomb Squads

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a long history of working together with state and local bomb squads. This collaboration provides critical skills, training, and resources that help keep communities safe from explosives-related threats. In this article, we’ll look at some of the key ways ATF partners with bomb squads across the country.

Providing Advanced Training

One of the most important things ATF does is provide advanced training for bomb technicians and explosives specialists. Back in 1999, ATF experts realized that bomb techs were being injured or killed at alarming rates while doing their dangerous work [4]. To address this, ATF developed the Advanced Explosives Disposal Techniques (AEDT) training program. This intensive classroom and field training covers all aspects of explosives disposal. ATF brings in students from across the country, provides travel and lodging, teaching materials, range supplies, and even a daily expense allowance. The goal is to share ATF’s unparalleled explosives expertise to help save lives.

ATF also offers many other specialized courses in explosives and arson investigation, post-blast analysis, homemade explosives, and more. Bomb squads can tap into these resources to keep their skills sharp.

Deploying Explosives Experts

ATF has teams of highly trained Explosives Enforcement Officers (EEOs) located across the U.S. These specialists offer critical technical skills in explosives disposal, investigation, and analysis. When a local bomb squad faces a complex or dangerous situation, they can request the help of ATF’s EEOs. Having access to such top-notch expertise is invaluable for many bomb squads, especially smaller ones with limited resources.

For example, let’s say a bomb squad responds to a hostage situation involving explosives. The local techs could really benefit from having an ATF EEO join them at the scene. The ATF agent brings advanced knowledge of explosives and tactics that increase the chances of safely resolving the crisis.

Providing Explosives Detection Canines

ATF has an elite program that breeds, raises, and trains Labrador retrievers to detect explosives. These highly skilled canines and their ATF handlers can be requested to assist state and local bomb squads with searches, sweeps, and other missions. The dogs’ super-sensitive noses are able to sniff out all types of explosives, including homemade ones. Their unique abilities complement technical tools used by bomb squads.

For example, during a bomb threat at a large public event, ATF canines could be brought in to sweep the grounds. They can search large areas far more quickly and thoroughly than humans. If the dogs alert to any explosives odors, the bomb techs take it from there.

Conducting Investigations

ATF has primary federal jurisdiction over crimes involving explosives. Their special agents conduct investigations into bombings, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of explosives. Local bomb squads often collaborate with ATF on these cases by providing their explosives expertise and evidence collection skills. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership.

Let’s say an IED goes off at a government building. ATF agents would work closely with the local bomb squad to process the blast site, gather evidence, and identify the components of the device. These details help track down whoever built and planted the bomb.

Regulating Explosives Commerce

Under federal law, ATF oversees and regulates the explosives industry. This includes permitting, inspections, records, and more. Bomb squads benefit because ATF’s oversight helps prevent explosives from falling into the wrong hands. For example, strict permitting ensures businesses or individuals handling explosives have a legitimate need to do so.

ATF also manages the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) – a nationwide database of explosives and arson incidents. This data helps identify patterns and trends. Bomb squads can use BATS to get insights on criminal activity in their region.

Partnering on Cases

ATF offices across the U.S. make it a priority to build strong working relationships with state and local bomb squads [5] [2]. This cooperation and coordination leads to better outcomes in investigations and responding to explosives threats. ATF and bomb squads regularly collaborate on cases, share intelligence, provide training opportunities, and tap each other’s unique skills.

For example, if ATF encounters a case involving homemade explosives, they may bring in the local bomb squad’s chemists to help analyze the materials. Likewise, if a bomb squad detects criminal activity involving firearms trafficking, they can partner with ATF’s gun experts to crack the case.

Promoting Public Safety

This teamwork between ATF and local bomb squads ultimately serves the public interest by promoting security and combating criminal activity. Bombings and explosives violence put innocent lives at risk and create an atmosphere of fear. By working together, ATF and bomb squads combine their specialized skills and resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.

Collaboration also prepares both groups to effectively respond to explosives emergencies. ATF training enhances bomb squads’ life-saving skills. Joint investigations build connections so the groups can operate seamlessly together in a crisis. This unified front is key to keeping the public safe.

Looking Ahead

As technology and explosives threats evolve, so must the partnership between ATF and state/local bomb squads. Some areas for further growth include:

• Expanded use of robotics and drones for hazardous tasks
• Virtual reality simulators for advanced training
• Increased integration of artificial intelligence for evidence analysis
• Greater information sharing between agencies and jurisdictions

By continuing to invest in their alliance, ATF and bomb squads will be ready to meet the challenges of the future while protecting their communities.