[ATF] Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Level 1 Application

Darius · 2025-03-02T19:55:07Z

Early Origins (1789–1860s)

Origins in Revenue Collection: The roots of ATF can be traced back to the early years of the United States, specifically to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service established in 1789. This was a precursor to modern-day U.S. Customs enforcement and was primarily concerned with the collection of customs duties.

The Creation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (1862): In response to the need for federal tax enforcement, especially during the Civil War to fund the Union war effort, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) was created in 1862 under the Department of the Treasury. This bureau was responsible for the collection of excise taxes on goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and firearms, which laid the groundwork for what would later become the ATF.

Prohibition Era and the Early 1900s
The ATF’s Link to Prohibition (1920–1933): One of the most significant events that shaped the history of ATF was Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. During this period, the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcohol were illegal in the United States. The Prohibition Bureau, a division of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, was created to enforce alcohol prohibition laws.

Rise of Organized Crime: During Prohibition, illegal alcohol production and distribution became a massive underground business, with organized crime syndicates, such as those led by Al Capone, using violence and corruption to profit from the illegal alcohol trade. The Bureau’s task became not only one of enforcement but also of dealing with the rising violence associated with the underground alcohol trade.

The National Firearms Act (1934): The National Firearms Act (NFA) was passed in 1934 as part of the government's response to the increasing criminal use of firearms. This law, which taxed and regulated the sale of machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and silencers, expanded the scope of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms’ enforcement duties to include firearm-related crimes.

Post-Prohibition and the Early 20th Century (1930s–1960s)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Formation (1935): In 1935, the Bureau of Prohibition merged with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to form the Alcohol Tax Unit. This unit was tasked with enforcing laws related to alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. It became the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Division under the Department of the Treasury.

Focus on Firearms and Explosives (1940s–1950s): In the following decades, the Bureau increasingly focused on criminal investigations related to firearms and explosives, particularly those involved in violent crimes. The Firearms Act of 1938 and the Gun Control Act of 1968 added to the regulatory role of the agency in enforcing laws concerning the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms.

Modernization and Expansion (1970s–1980s)

The ATF as a Separate Bureau (1972): In 1972, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) was officially established as a separate agency under the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The new structure solidified the ATF’s enforcement role concerning alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives. This period also saw the agency growing in size and sophistication, developing specialized units to combat firearms trafficking, illegal alcohol and tobacco smuggling, and organized crime.

Expansion of ATF’s Mission (1980s): During the 1980s, the ATF became more involved in drug-related investigations. With the rise of drug cartels, particularly those involved in the cocaine trade, the ATF worked in close coordination with agencies like the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). ATF also began addressing the role of firearms in narcotics trafficking and drug violence.

Transition to the Department of Justice (2003)

ATF Becomes Part of the Department of Justice (2003): In 2003, the ATF transitioned from being part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the Homeland Security Act. This move aimed to streamline law enforcement operations and enhance coordination with other agencies that handle criminal investigations, such as the FBI and DEA.

Key Areas of Focus for ATF

1. Drug Trafficking and Violent Crime

ATF investigates drug trafficking operations that involve the illegal distribution of firearms and explosives, which often accompany drug-related crimes.

The agency works closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle violent criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, particularly gangs and cartels that use firearms and explosives to protect their drug trade.

2. Firearms Trafficking and Illegal Arms Distribution

ATF targets gun-running operations that supply firearms to drug cartels and violent criminal organizations. Firearms are often used to protect drug shipments and to facilitate drug-related violence.

The agency investigates the illegal trafficking of firearms into the U.S. and coordinates with international law enforcement to prevent firearms from being smuggled across borders for use in drug trade operations.

3. Explosives and Arson

In drug trafficking situations, explosives are sometimes used by cartels or criminal organizations to protect shipments, intimidate rivals, or destroy evidence.

ATF’s expertise in explosives and arson helps in cases where drugs are seized from facilities that may be booby-trapped or set on fire to destroy evidence.

4. Alcohol and Tobacco Smuggling

While the ATF primarily focuses on firearms, explosives, and arson, it also enforces laws surrounding the illegal smuggling and trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. Some criminal organizations involved in the drug trade also smuggle alcohol and tobacco products as part of broader illicit activities.

Director

@Darius

Deputy Director

@Oscar

Chief of Staff

@Axponk

Executive Assistant Director

Vacant

Assistant Directors

Vacant

Special Agent in Charge

@Infinity_

Deputy Special Agent in Charge

Vacant

Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Vacant

Supervisory Special Agent

@Elias

Special Agent

Vacant

Agent

Vacant

Probationary Agent

Vacant

Squad Name: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives