What type of crimes does the ATF investigate?

Asked by: Prof. Kayleigh Ward  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (72 votes)

The ATF investigates federal crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol, and tobacco, focusing on violent crime, terrorism, and illegal trafficking to protect communities. Key areas include dismantling gun traffickers arming prohibited persons, investigating bombings and arson, stopping illegal alcohol/tobacco diversion, and working with partners on crime gun intelligence (NIBIN, tracing) to disrupt violent offenders.

What types of crimes does the ATF investigate?

ATF protects America's communities by confronting violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson.

What power does the ATF police have?

Through advanced Crime Gun Intelligence (NIBIN, firearms tracing, and touch DNA); ATF partners with state and local law enforcement to investigate, identify, and prosecute violent offenders. At the same time, we safeguard lawful commerce and uphold the Constitution of the United States.

Can ATF make arrests?

Yes, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) agents are federal law enforcement officers with the authority to carry weapons and make arrests for violations of federal laws related to firearms, explosives, arson, and tobacco/alcohol. They conduct investigations, execute warrants, collect evidence, and are involved in arrests as part of their duties, often collaborating with other agencies.
 

What does the ATF look for?

The ATF's website states that the “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 ...

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What makes the ATF come to your house?

The ATF might come to your house for firearm tracing after a crime, investigating potential unlicensed dealing from multiple or rapid purchases, following up on tips (like straw purchases or trafficking), checking compliance with new firearm rules (e.g., pistol braces), or responding to welfare checks or anonymous tips about potential misuse. Their purpose is often to confirm firearm possession, investigate potential illegal sales, or ensure compliance with federal laws, though you don't have to let them in without a warrant. 

How does the ATF differ from the FBI?

The FBI is a primary law enforcement agency for the U.S. government, charged with enforcement of more than 200 categories of federal laws. The DEA is a single-mission agency charged with enforcing drug laws. The ATF primarily enforces federal firearms statutes and investigates arsons and bombings.

Can the ATF just show up to inspect your firearms?

Except for limited permit holders, any ATF officer may, without a warrant, enter during business hours the premises, including places of storage, of any licensee or permittee for the purpose of inspecting or examining any records or documents required to be kept by the law and regulations and any explosive materials ...

Why would the feds pick up a gun case?

Guns are a big issue right now because of what's going on in the country related to mass shootings and other issues regarding murders in LA County and across California. So, one big thing is that the feds are interested in significant gun cases, meaning guns are being shipped and sold illegally in the United States.

What are some famous ATF cases?

Notable examples include the sieges at Ruby Ridge and Waco, and the gunwalking scandal. These incidents have drawn intense criticism from gun activists and members of the United States Congress, who accuse the agency of excessive force, poor oversight and planning, and constitutional violations.

Can police enforce ATF laws?

Only federal law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (“ATF”) can arrest someone for violating federal laws. If the local police believe that a state law is being violated, they could arrest the abuser and hand the case over to the state prosecutor.

Who has more power than a police officer?

Sheriffs typically oversee law enforcement agencies, manage county jails, and ensure public safety. In contrast, police officers serve municipalities and are generally considered agents of the state rather than municipal officers.

Do ATF agents go undercover?

Actually, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division comes under the broad umbrella of the IRS in the Treasury Department, as do Secret Service, Intelligence, and US customs agents, but ATF has nothing to do with income tax. "As for undercover work," explains special agent Blaise, "unlike the FBI, we do our own.

What are the 8 major crimes?

The selected offenses are 1) Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter, 2) Forcible Rape, 3) Robbery, 4) Aggravated Assault, 5) Burglary, 6) Larceny-Theft, 7) Motor Vehicle Theft, and 8) Arson. These are serious crimes by nature and/or volume.

What are the 10 types of common crimes?

Ten common crimes often cited include Larceny/Theft, Burglary, Assault, Robbery, Motor Vehicle Theft, Drug Crimes, DUI (Driving Under the Influence), Fraud/Identity Theft, Domestic Violence, and Vandalism, with property crimes like theft being the most frequent overall, followed by violent offenses. 

How do you know if the feds are investigating you?

6 Signs You May Be Under Federal Investigation

  • Receiving a Target Letter. ...
  • Federal investigators Showing Up at Your Home or Work. ...
  • Having Your Phone Calls Monitored. ...
  • Unusual Activity from Financial Institutions. ...
  • Unexplained Grand Jury Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, or Other Records.

What makes your case go federal?

Understanding What Makes a Case Federal

Federal prosecutors take over when the conduct violates a federal statute, crosses state lines, or involves a federal agency or federal property. Federal statutes give federal agencies authority to investigate specific cases.

What is the most armed country in the world?

The United States is the most armed country, holding the most civilian firearms (over 393 million, or about 120.5 per 100 people) globally, far surpassing any military's total stock. While other nations like Russia and China have large military arsenals, the U.S. civilian population is the world's largest "armed group" by sheer volume of guns, driven by a strong gun culture and constitutional rights, although military strength and nuclear power are separate metrics.
 

Which crimes are considered federal?

Examples of Federal Crimes

  • Piracy.
  • Treason.
  • Counterfeiting.
  • Drug trafficking.
  • Violations of securities laws.
  • Violations of interstate commerce.

What does 1042 mean in police code?

Police code 10-42 most commonly means "Ending Tour of Duty", signaling an officer is finishing their shift, often used for retirement or at the end of the day, but its meaning can vary by department, sometimes indicating a traffic stop or even a "dead person" in some jurisdictions, so context is key.
 

Can you check ATF status online?

Yes, you can check your ATF application status online through the ATF's eForms system for electronic submissions, where you log in to see statuses like "Submitted/In Process," "Pending Research," or "Approved," but you'll also get an email notification for final approval. For paper forms or general inquiries, contacting the NFA branch at (304) 616-4500 with your details (like serial number and control number) is the most reliable method for status updates, though you should wait several months before calling. 

What to say when a cop asks you where you are going?

You have the right to remain silent. For example, you do not have to answer any questions about where you are going, where you are traveling from, what you are doing, or where you live. If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, say so out loud.

What crimes does ATF deal with?

The ATF investigates federal crimes involving firearms (illegal trafficking, misuse), explosives (arson, bombings, illegal manufacturing), and regulated products like alcohol and tobacco (diversion, smuggling) to combat violent crime and terrorism, working to dismantle trafficking rings and hold accountable those who illegally arm prohibited persons or commit arson, according to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (.gov) https://www.atf.gov/careers/special-agents https://www.atf.gov/about.
 

Is a FBI agent higher than a cop?

No, FBI agents aren't inherently "above" local police; they have different jurisdictions, with the FBI focusing on federal crimes and local police on state/city laws, though federal law supersedes state law, giving the FBI authority when federal statutes are involved, often leading to collaboration through joint task forces rather than one ranking above the other. They operate under separate command structures but can work together, pooling resources, or the FBI might take lead in cases with federal implications, like terrorism or civil rights violations. 

What is the most elite police force in the US?

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