U.S. law enforcement agency
- The Bureau of Alcohol
- Tobacco
Firearms and Explosives (BATFE)
Commonly referred to as the ATF
Is a domestic law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice.Its responsibilities include
The investigation and prevention of federal offenses involving the unlawful use
Manufacture
And possession of firearms and explosives; acts of arson and bombings; and illegal trafficking and tax evasion of alcohol and tobacco products.The ATF also regulates via licensing the sale
Possession
And transportation of firearms
Ammunition
And explosives in interstate commerce.Many of the ATF's activities are carried out in conjunction with task forces made up of state and local law enforcement officers
Such as :
Project Safe Neighborhoods.The ATF operates a unique fire research laboratory in Beltsville
Maryland
Where full-scale mock-ups of criminal arson can be reconstructed.The ATF had 5
285 employees and an annual budget of almost $1.5 billion in 2021.The ATF has received criticism over its handling of the Ruby Ridge siege
The Waco siege and other incidents.