A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent investigates potential felonies involving firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. This is a really challenging career that involves a lot of mental and physical training, extensive travel, and long, irregular hours. Yet the job is also rewarding because they are one of the arms of the Department of Justice that helps keep the general public safe. (ATF Website, no date).

An interesting article about the ATF that presents a somewhat darker side of being a Special Agent was found on CNN.com. This story, “Federal agent penetrated Hells Angels, fears for his life” describes the case of Jay Dobyns, a 23-year veteran of the ATF who spent almost 2 years infiltrating the Hells Angels motorcycle gang (Arena, 2007). He gathered enough evidence to bring 16 members of the gang to justice. For his dangerous efforts, he was given awards and praise by the media and other organizations. Yet he claimed that after his role in bringing those people to justice, one result was that the Hells Angels essentially put his name on a hit list.  After his assignment ended, he was transferred to a regular posting, but though he requested special protection for him and his family, he was not granted that by the ATF for “cost-cutting reasons” (Ibid.).  There are now accusations (and lawsuits) by current and former Special Agents with undercover assignments who claim that the ATF does not properly protect its agents after they have risked life and limb on dangerous assignments.

One professional organization that supports ATF Special Agents is the ATF Association (ATFA).  According to their website, the purpose of the association is “to bring together former and current ATF colleagues for fellowship and friendship, assist with post-ATF career planning and development, and to provide support in a time of need” (ATFA website, 2009). This association costs only $50/year for dues, and members receive a monthly newsletter. It is relatively new as professional organizations go, having been founded in 2007.

Because an ATF Special Agent is a federal agent rather than state or local, he or she does not enforce state laws. Instead of state laws, ATF Special Agents enforce federal laws.  The ATF website offers links to various ATF laws, regulations, regulatory documents, rulings, and the Department of Justice’s unified agendas.