January 16, 2025

On behalf of our members from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), I write to express the concerns of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) regarding the proposed “Abolish the ATF Act.” While it’s essential to discuss the effectiveness of government agencies, we must also recognize the ATF’s historical accomplishments and the dedication of its law enforcement officers. Instead of dismantling the agency, we should focus on enhancing its capabilities to better serve the American public in an evolving law enforcement landscape.

Established in 1972, the ATF has been instrumental in law enforcement, particularly in combating illegal firearms trafficking and regulating the firearms and explosives industries. Key areas of its work include:

- Arson and Explosives: ATF’s National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) provides state-of-the-art training facilities and the unmatched expertise of advanced arson training. ATF is the only U.S. Government (USG) agency with fire and arson investigation as part of its core mission, and the programs that support that mission are now located at NCETR. Additionally, the ATF maintains the U.S. Bomb Data Center (USBDC), which serves as the national repository for arson and explosive related incident data, including the reporting of explosives thefts. The ATF also provides explosives training to thousands of U.S law enforcement and military personal, makes hundreds of destructive device determinations, responds to hundreds of explosive incidents, and works with the explosives industry to issue permits and licenses.

- Firearms Trafficking: The ATF effectively disrupts firearms trafficking organized by transnational criminal groups and drug cartels through data-driven strategies and collaboration with other agencies. With these strategies and partnerships, ATF is able to curb gun violence and illegal gun trafficking across the nation, focusing on criminal groups that utilize both the firearms and the proceeds of the trafficking to further criminal activity around the U.S.

- National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN): This initiative has revolutionized gun crime investigations and forensics, allowing for quicker identification and apprehension of suspects through advanced forensic techniques. As of December 2023, ATF’s NIBIN included 6.5 million entries of ballistic evidence, generating over 1,060,000 investigative leads provided to ATF’s federal, state, local, and international law enforcement partners.

- Crime Gun Tracing (eTrace): The eTrace system helps trace firearms used in crimes back to their sources, revealing connections between illegal users and their suppliers. In 2022 and 2023 alone, ATF processed nearly 1.3 million trace requests, with nearly 56% having a different possessor and purchaser.

ATF employees bring their specialized training and skills to work, significantly aiding law enforcement in combating crime and terrorism. The ATF is the federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the federal laws pertaining to destructive devices, explosives, and arson. Their expertise, coupled with tools like Crime Gun Intelligence, NIBIN and eTrace, provides essential information that aids critical investigations. In addition, the ATF shares their training and free tools with all law enforcement partners to help them prevent shootings, catch shooters, and break shooting cycles. This includes events like the Raven’s Challenge (RC) Interoperability Exercise, which is funded by the Department of the Army and led by the ATF which focuses on interoperability capabilities between public safety bomb squads (PSBSs) and military explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units in operational environments.

However, the ATF’s real strength lies in its law enforcement workforce—dedicated professionals committed to public service. Most agents have law enforcement or military backgrounds, fostering a strong understanding of the challenges they face. These individuals work tirelessly to dismantle criminal enterprises and protect the public, driven by a desire to create a safer society.

While the ATF has faced criticisms and made mistakes, these do not overshadow the vital work its employees perform. The agency has shown a capacity for reform, responding to past failures and focusing on its core mission. Statistics show that the ATF focuses its efforts on targeting violent criminals with extensive criminal histories. The agency has also made significant strides in addressing gun violence, collaborating with local law enforcement to target violent offenders and disrupt criminal networks. These roles and accomplishments underscore the importance of the ATF’s role in safeguarding our nation and highlight the necessity of a dedicated agency focused on these critical issues.

Most recently, the ATF was deployed to investigate the Pacific Palisades fires.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Response Team (NRT) has been deployed to investigate the Pacific Palisades fire, one of the devastating wildfires impacting homes and businesses in Los Angeles.

Renowned for its expertise, the NRT combines decades of experience with advanced resources to conduct fire scene investigations. “The NRT brings a wealth of experience and expertise to these types of investigations,” said Brice McCracken, ATF Special Agent in Charge, National Center for Explosives Training and Research.

The team operates in two synchronized components: one analyzes the fire scene, examining damage and burn patterns, while another gathers external data, such as surveillance footage and witness statements. This coordinated approach ensures a comprehensive investigation.

Fifteen ATF investigators have joined ATF-certified fire investigators already working with local, state, and federal agencies. The team includes chemists, engineers, and research specialists, all focused on determining the fire’s origin and cause.

Since 1978, the NRT has responded to 927 incidents, including this year’s Maui wildfire and other major events. Their rapid deployment capability, typically within 24 hours, brings cutting-edge tools like drones, 3D mapping, and portable labs to aid in investigations.

Abolishing the ATF would not only undermine decades of progress but also disregard the dedication of its workforce. Instead of dismantling the agency, we should concentrate on improving its functions and effectiveness through enhanced training, resources, and constructive feedback.

The challenges we face today, from gun violence to drug trafficking and terrorism, require a specialized response that only the ATF can provide. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss areas of concerns and viable options for strengthening ATF’s mission.

Mathew Silverman 
National President
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association