Search form Search WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO RESOURCES Home About Home Executive Staff » Organization Structure » Rapid Response Teams » Diversity & Inclusion Budget & Performance Data & Statistics ATF Stories History Frequently Asked Questions Email Updates Subscribe to receive news and update from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Enter Email Address. Enter Email Address Who We Are The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) was established as a separate component within the Department of Justice pursuant to Title XI of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, on January 17, 2003. The mission of ATF 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 bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. The major functions of ATF are to: Reduce the risk to public safety caused by illegal firearms trafficking. Reduce the risk to public safety caused by criminal possession and use of firearms. Reduce the risk to public safety caused by criminal organizations and gangs. Improve public safety by increasing compliance with Federal laws and regulations by firearms industry members. Reduce the risk to public safety caused by bombs and explosives. Reduce the risk to public safety caused by criminal use of fire. Improve public safety by increasing compliance with Federal laws and regulations by explosives industry members. Reduce the loss of tax revenues caused by contraband alcohol and tobacco trafficking. Bureau Structure Executive Staff Our History Keep up with the latest ATF updates: WHO WE ARE About Executive Staff Organization Structure Our History WHAT WE DO Firearms Explosives Arson Alcohol & Tobacco NEWS Press Releases Advisories Reward Notices Media/Congressional Contacts CAREERS Special Agent Industry Operations Investigator EEO and Disability Information RESOURCE CENTER Statistics FOIA Most Wanted Download Forms OPEN GOVERNMENT Privacy Policy Legal Policies & Disclaimers USA.gov No Fear Act Whistleblower Rights & Protections Site Map Accessibility & Plug-Ins ATF.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice Close the overlay Get the latest updates from The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives No Thanks Remind Me Later