ATF’s Efforts to Prevent Arson Through Outreach and Education

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, better known as ATF, is a federal law enforcement agency that aims 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.

One of ATF’s key missions is preventing arson through various outreach and education programs. Arson is a serious crime that puts lives and property at risk. Through community engagement, ATF hopes to reduce the incidence of arson and educate people on fire safety.

G.R.E.A.T. Program

One of ATF’s major outreach initiatives is the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, which aims to help youth avoid gang involvement and violent crime. The program was launched in 1991 as an anti-gang and delinquency prevention program.

G.R.E.A.T. uses educational tools to teach students how to avoid gang recruitment, resist negative peer pressure, develop positive relationships, and avoid violence. In addition, students learn trade skills to help them after high school.

In 2021, over 2,300 students in 20 states were taught by ATF G.R.E.A.T. instructors. By working directly with youth and families, the program aims to reduce violent crime and gang activity in local communities.

Research has shown the G.R.E.A.T. program effectively reduces gang activity and violent behavior among participating youth. The program has been implemented in many cities across the U.S. and even internationally.

Arson Prevention and Fire Safety Education

ATF partners with local fire departments and first responders to provide education programs on arson prevention and fire safety. For example, ATF has worked with the International Association of Arson Investigators to develop arson prevention programs for elementary school students.

These programs teach children about the dangers of fire, what to do if there is a fire, and how arson hurts communities. By educating youth early on, ATF hopes to dissuade them from ever considering arson in the first place.

ATF also does community outreach to educate business owners, religious institutions, and other organizations on arson prevention strategies. This includes tips on securing buildings, controlling access, and reporting suspicious activities.

In addition, ATF publishes brochures, posters, and other materials with arson prevention tips. These materials are distributed in communities to increase awareness and prevent arson incidents.

Partnerships with Fire Service Organizations

ATF partners with national fire service organizations to provide training and share information to stop arsonists. This includes the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), National Association of State Fire Marshals, and National Volunteer Fire Council.

For example, ATF works with IAAI to train fire investigators on the latest techniques for conducting arson investigations. Better investigations help ensure arsonists are caught and successfully prosecuted.

ATF also works with the fire service to share intelligence on arson and bombings. By tracking national trends and sharing information, ATF helps fire departments better anticipate, prevent, and respond to arson in their local area.

National Church Arson Task Force

ATF spearheaded the National Church Arson Task Force in 1996 in response to an outbreak of arsons at African-American churches, especially in the South. The task force coordinated law enforcement agencies at all levels of government to solve church arsons and prevent future attacks.

Through the task force, ATF provided training, public education, and investigative support to reduce church arson incidents. The number of church arsons dropped dramatically within a few years.

The task force model demonstrated that partnerships between law enforcement, fire service organizations, and community groups can successfully reduce arson. ATF continues to investigate church arson and assist local investigators when needed.

Bomb Arson Tracking System

ATF maintains a national database called the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) that records information on arson and explosives incidents. BATS has details on over 1 million arsons, bombings, attempted bombings, explosives recoveries, and hoaxes.

This database helps ATF identify patterns and trends to prevent future crimes. For example, if there is a string of related arsons in a region, ATF can notify local fire departments to be on alert.

ATF can also use BATS data to determine where additional arson prevention education is needed. The database provides intelligence that guides ATF’s community outreach programs.

Fire Research Laboratory

ATF’s Fire Research Laboratory conducts scientific research on fire protection, fire behavior, and arson. The lab studies issues like fire dynamics, fire test methods, fire investigation, fire debris analysis, and fire reconstruction.

The research done at the Fire Lab helps advance the field of fire science and improve arson investigations. ATF shares this research with the fire service community to enhance their response to arson incidents.

For example, the Fire Lab has developed tools and techniques to better analyze fire debris and identify ignitable liquids used by arsonists. This research has improved arson investigations and prosecutions.

Certified Fire Investigator Program

ATF offers a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) program to train local fire investigators. CFI provides comprehensive training on fire science, arson investigation techniques, and courtroom testimony.

Having more professionally trained fire investigators across the country improves arson prevention and enforcement. The CFI program has certified over 7,000 investigators since its inception in 1978.

In addition to classroom instruction, CFI includes field training exercises that simulate various fire and arson scenarios. Investigators learn hands-on skills for examining fire scenes and gathering evidence.

Fire and Arson Investigator Seminars

ATF frequently collaborates with the fire service to provide training seminars for fire investigators. These 1-2 day seminars provide continuing education on the latest techniques and information on preventing arson.

Recent seminar topics have included crime scene processing, evidence collection, interviewing techniques, courtroom testimony, and emerging trends in arson and explosives.

By regularly training fire service professionals, ATF helps ensure they can effectively deter, detect, and investigate arson in communities across the country.

Looking Ahead

While ATF’s public education and community outreach programs have made great strides, arson remains a persistent threat. There is still work to be done to further drive down arson rates.

New technologies like drones and live-streaming cameras may help deter arson and aid investigations. Programs educating youth on ethics and empathy could also steer them away from arson in the first place.

ATF will continue evolving its outreach programs and developing innovative techniques to combat arson. Through partnerships and education, ATF aims to create fire-safe communities where arson is rare.