ATF’s Extensive Experience Investigating Violent Criminals

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a long history of investigating and prosecuting violent criminals. As the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing laws related to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco trafficking, ATF agents have developed specialized skills and expertise in targeting the most dangerous offenders.

ATF uses federal statutes like the Gun Control Act and the National Firearms Act to go after criminals who use guns and explosives to commit violent crimes. Their goal is to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety by identifying these offenders and bringing them to justice [1].

Targeting Firearms Traffickers

A major focus for ATF is disrupting illegal firearms trafficking networks. Firearms traffickers enable criminals and gang members to easily obtain guns, often transporting them across state lines. ATF agents track down and build cases against traffickers through undercover operations, analysis of gun trace data, and partnerships with local law enforcement.

For example, in 2017 ATF agents in southern California were honored for their work dismantling firearms trafficking rings that provided guns used in homicides, robberies, and other violent crimes in the Los Angeles area [2].

Combating Violent Gun Crime

ATF also participates in anti-violent crime task forces, like Project Safe Neighborhoods, alongside local police and prosecutors. Using crime gun tracing data, ATF can identify patterns and pinpoint the most pressing violent crime problems in a region.

ATF operates Crime Gun Intelligence Centers in many major cities to analyze crime gun evidence and identify violent criminals and gangs posing the greatest threat. This allows them to target enforcement efforts for maximum impact [3].

Prosecuting Armed Career Criminals

ATF agents prioritize cases against armed career criminals – offenders with a history of gun crimes or violence. Prosecuting these repeat offenders under federal laws often results in longer prison sentences, getting the most dangerous criminals off the streets.

For fiscal year 2023, ATF has dedicated resources specifically for identifying and investigating armed career criminals and other prohibited persons in possession of firearms [4].

Providing Investigative Expertise

ATF offers extensive resources and expertise to support local law enforcement agencies investigating gun crimes. For example, ATF provides access to tools like the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network to link firearms evidence from multiple crime scenes.

ATF also provides local departments with investigative training and technical assistance from specialists in firearms tracing, explosives, arson, and other areas [5].

Challenges Facing ATF

While ATF agents have had success targeting violent criminals and gun crime, the agency faces some internal challenges stemming from its varied responsibilities.

ATF straddles the line between acting as a regulatory agency focused on the firearms industry and operating as a federal law enforcement agency combating violent crime [6]. This can create confusion about priorities and affect effectiveness.

ATF’s law enforcement capacity has also been strained by significant staffing shortages in recent years. Between fiscal years 2001 and 2021, ATF’s number of special agents decreased by over 20% even as their workload increased.

Despite these difficulties, ATF continues leveraging its specialized expertise to target the most violent criminals and reduce the availability of guns to those who shouldn’t have them. ATF’s crime gun tracing capabilities and extensive experience disrupting trafficking networks make them a valuable partner for local law enforcement.

The Path Forward

As policymakers consider strategies for reducing gun violence, ATF’s critical role in investigating and prosecuting armed violent offenders should not be overlooked. Sustained investments in ATF’s law enforcement capacity and gun tracing infrastructure are needed for ATF to maximize its impact on violent crime.

ATF’s partnerships with local law enforcement also continue to be an important force multiplier. By combining resources and information sharing, ATF collaborations with local agencies strengthen efforts to get guns out of the wrong hands and prosecute those perpetrating violence.