Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal law enforcement agency in Washington DC, United States.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is a federal law enforcement agency in Washington that enforces regulations covering firearms, explosives, alcohol and tobacco throughout the United States. The organization operates through specialized divisions that investigate violations, process licensing applications and gather intelligence on criminal activity involving regulated items.
The organization emerged from the Internal Revenue Service and became an independent bureau within the Department of Justice in July 1972. This restructuring shifted its focus from tax collection to law enforcement duties related to regulated substances and weapons.
Federal agents here work closely with local police departments and private sector partners across the country to prevent illegal trafficking and violence. This ongoing cooperation shapes how communities experience law enforcement in neighborhoods dealing with firearms regulation and public safety concerns.
The main office sits at 99 New York Avenue NE in Washington and handles firearms licensing and criminal investigations through dedicated phone lines. Visitors seeking information can contact the office by phone, though access is primarily for official business rather than public tours.
The organization runs specialized units for investigating arson cases, analyzing bombing incidents and monitoring the distribution of regulated substances across the country. This combination of expertise under one roof allows for coordinated investigations when cases involve multiple regulated areas at once.
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