What is a ATF agent? ATF special agents are highly trained, elite law enforcement officers who investigate violations of federal laws and regulations related to the criminal misuse of firearms and explosives, firearms trafficking, acts of arson, and the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.

What does ATF agent mean? The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the federal laws pertaining to destructive devices (bombs), explosives, and arson. Learn more about ATF and arson.

What do ATF agents do on a daily basis? Special agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) enforce federal laws relating to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, guns, and explosives and conduct investigations into violations of those laws. They also conduct fire and arson investigations.

Do ATF agents carry guns? As sworn law enforcement officers, special agents are authorized to carry weapons and make arrests for federal offenses against the United States. As of December 2019, ATF has 1,714 special agents stationed across 25 field divisions, hundreds of field and satellite offices, and overseas posts.

What is a ATF agent? – Related Questions

Is ATF A police?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a domestic law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice.

How long is the ATF academy?

The SABT consists of approximately 15 weeks of training with a class of 24 student trainees. The SABT is designed to meet all the foundational requirements of a newly hired ATF special agent trainee.

Is it hard to become an ATF agent?

The profession of the Special Agent at ATF is hard and rewarding at the same time. The ideal candidate should be mentally and physically fit in order to be able to perform all the specific duties and tasks that come with the job.

Does ATF require a degree?

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years of age, and complete physical and written testing, background checks, and drug screening. To be eligible for an entry-level ATF position, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field, but a criminal justice or law enforcement focus can often help your chances.

Who does the ATF answer to?

ATF is a law enforcement agency in the United States’ Department of Justice that protects our 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

How long is the ATF hiring process?

Application Process

The entire process can take 12 months or longer from start to finish. Failure to pass any of the steps below may eliminate you from the hiring process.

What is the starting pay benefits of an ATF agent?

Based on their qualifications, new special agents start anywhere between GL grade 5, step 1 and GL grade 9, step 10. In 2021, this includes a base salary range of $37,512 to $61,443 before locality and availability pay. OPM updates its pay scales each year to reflect cost of living increases.

How long is the ATF special agent exam?

The ATF Special Agent exam takes 2.5 hours and is made up of three parts: Verbal reasoning where you are presented with a paragraph that contains all the information you need to answer the questions. Quantitative reasoning where you are asked to solve problems formulated in both verbal and numeric forms.

Can a FBI agent have tattoos?

You’ve trained regularly to maintain your excellent physical condition, and you’ve got the required education. The FBI does have strict rules on physical appearance, especially during training, but they don’t specifically ban all tattoos.

Does the ATF hire out of college?

Recent college graduates are in very high demand for ATF agent recruitment, she explained. “We do hire a lot of former law enforcement and students straight out of college.

How much do HSI agents make?

Average US Department of Homeland Security Special Agent yearly pay in the United States is approximately $137,397, which is 93% above the national average. Salary information comes from 7 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

How much does an FBI special agent make?

How much does a Fbi Special Agent make? The average Fbi Special Agent in the US makes $107,011. The average bonus for a Fbi Special Agent is $2,748 which represents 3% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year.

How many guns can you own?

Federal law does not limit the number of guns a person may buy in any given time period. However, federal law does require federal firearm licensees (“FFLs”) to report multiple sales of handguns to ATF and other specified law enforcement agencies.

Are Miniguns legal?

Actually it isn’t legal to own any minigun, its legal to own any fully automatic weapons constructed before 1986 using a class 2 license. And a few of minigun models were made pre-1986 and even fewer survive to this day.

What is the ATF drug policy?

Individuals applying for ATF employment who are currently involved in illegal drug activities or substance abuse are ineligible for hiring. In addition, past involvement in illegal drug activities or misuse or abuse of substances also may disqualify an applicant from consideration for hiring.

Does ATF have a polygraph?

Though the ATF is able to train its agents to pass a polygraph test, the agency still uses lie detectors as part of its screening of potential new hires. ATF spokesman Mike Hoffman said the polygraph is just one of a slew of tests of a candidate’s background.

Is asthma a disqualifier for the FBI?

ASTHMA currently controlled on any medication is generally disqualifying. A history of asthma after of the age of 12 years must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What do FBI agents drive?

Agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. Those in specialized areas like the Hostage Rescue Teams may also be issued weapons that fit their duties. Agents are allowed to carry personal weapons, provided they do not violate the policies regarding firearms.

Is it hard to get into HSI?

Becoming an HSI agent is very difficult. Less than 5% of applicants are ever hired and trained as HSI Special Agents. While not always necessary, earning a college degree is a common prerequisite to pursuing a career with ICE or any of its seven divisions including HSI.

How many ATF offices are there?

ATF operates a total of 25 Domestic Field Divisions and maintains a presence in 12 international offices in 8 countries.

How does ATF protect the public?

Mission. ATF protects the public from crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, and the diversion of alcohol and tobacco products; regulates lawful commerce in firearms and explosives; and provides worldwide support to law enforcement, public safety, and industry partners.