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Undoubtedly you've heard of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATF) in the past. In fact you might even have heard of it referred to as the ATF.
Both the BATF and ATF are one and the same, and the difference in names is really simply due to the fact that it has historically been referred to as the BATF and so it still retains that abbreviation as well.
Mission of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF)
As the BATF themselves say - their mission is 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 bombing, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.
Previously when it was under the treasury the ATF used to collect tax revenue related to the production of alcohol and tobacco products - but ever since it was made into a bureau in its own right under the purview of the U.S. Department of Justice, it no longer does.
To carry out its mission, the BATF has groups of special agents and investigators who work with law enforcement agencies across the United States. These special agents and investigators carry out their own investigations into federal crimes committed involving guns or explosives, and also cases related to narcotics or cigarette smuggling.
On top of that the BATF also regulates firearms and explosives.
In short, the BATF or ATF is a bureau dedicated to making America a safer place. Its personnel are at the front lines of most major investigations involving violent crime (that involves firearms or explosives) and since 9/11 they have also played a major role in homeland security.
"So the BATF is a Law Enforcement Agency?"
Frankly speaking the main confusion that arises when it comes to the ATF stems from a time when it operated in dual roles and was part law enforcement and part tax collection.
Ever since the Homeland Security Act was passed and the BATF placed firmly under the U.S. Department of Justice - that is no longer the case. Today, the ATF is best viewed as a law enforcement agency.
It still does handle licensing when it comes to firearms however, and issues licenses to owners, sellers, and conducts inspections from time to time. That being said, it also goes a step further by targeting and arresting violent offenders who are in possession of firearms without a permit.
Through the tracing of both firearms and ballistics, the ATF also provides investigative support to most of its law enforcement partners.
At the end of the day, public safety is the first priority of the BATF and that is certainly a good thing. Despite some of the criticism that has been leveled at it, the strides forward that have been made are really undeniable.
Considering just how many tasks come under the purview of the ATF, it is really quite impressive that it has managed to do so well!
If you'd like to learn a lot more about the ATF and the role that it plays in our society, why not check out this excellent resource:
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