The ATF Agent Career
- By Kenneth Echie
- Published 10/19/2011
- Career
- Unrated
ATF agents work within the United States Justice department and under the ATF (alcohol, tobacco and firearms) bureau, which is the federal agency responsible for regulating and monitoring the movement of these three items in the US. The role of ATF agents is similar to but not identical with that of regular police officers in the sense that they focus on a particular niche area.
They enforce the laws governing alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives. Because of the role that alcohol, tobacco and firearms play in the carrying out of many crimes, agents must, by their very role, work in close liaison with other law enforcement agencies.
The ATF agent or investigator as they are sometimes called, is expected to carrying out investigations, collect and analyze evidence, conduct raids and even execute warrants touching on the illegal use of firearms, alcohol and tobacco. Whenever someone is suspected of breaching the law in any of these three areas, the ATF agent will be the one to get and act on a search warrant so they can check the suspect's business premises or homes as well as set up surveillance in order to gather additional evidence. The agents will work with local law enforcement agencies to prepare investigation reports and will sometimes be called upon to testify on behalf of the state.
In order to become an ATF agent the first requirement is that you must be a citizen of the United States and be between the ages of 21 and 37. As with most field based law enforcement jobs, you must be in good physical condition and be a holder of a valid driving license.
As far as academic requirements go, you must hold a minimum of a bachelors degree in any discipline - that said, you will be at an advantage if your degree is in a law enforcement related discipline such as criminal justice or investigation.
During the recruitment interview for ATF investigators, candidates must pass a written test comprising a questionnaire, the treasury enforcement agent examination and the ATF special agent applicant assessment test. In addition, each candidate must sit for a panel interview that may include providing a written sample of an ATF agent report. This is then followed with screening on any criminal records, drug tests and medical examinations by authorized government doctors.
Testing for drugs and a security clearance are of critical importance given that the agent will be investigating such crimes. If they have a criminal record or have dabbled with drugs before, they are more likely to be compromised in the course of their duties.
Passing the interview and being hired is just the beginning of training for ATF investigators. Once short listed, successful candidates must go through a special federal training program for agents. Based in Georgia, this nine week program aims to increase the novice agents' knowledge in law enforcement techniques, surveillance, handling firearms and conducting arrests. After this, the trainee agents spend thirteen weeks at FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre) where they learn how to handle explosives and how to carry out the investigation of a bomb scene.
The ATF agent career is worth looking into if you are interested in a law enforcement career. Do a little more research by visiting websites that go into more detail about the career.
Note: Please feel free to reprint or republish this article. The only requirement is that the links be live links.
They enforce the laws governing alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives. Because of the role that alcohol, tobacco and firearms play in the carrying out of many crimes, agents must, by their very role, work in close liaison with other law enforcement agencies.
The ATF agent or investigator as they are sometimes called, is expected to carrying out investigations, collect and analyze evidence, conduct raids and even execute warrants touching on the illegal use of firearms, alcohol and tobacco. Whenever someone is suspected of breaching the law in any of these three areas, the ATF agent will be the one to get and act on a search warrant so they can check the suspect's business premises or homes as well as set up surveillance in order to gather additional evidence. The agents will work with local law enforcement agencies to prepare investigation reports and will sometimes be called upon to testify on behalf of the state.
In order to become an ATF agent the first requirement is that you must be a citizen of the United States and be between the ages of 21 and 37. As with most field based law enforcement jobs, you must be in good physical condition and be a holder of a valid driving license.
As far as academic requirements go, you must hold a minimum of a bachelors degree in any discipline - that said, you will be at an advantage if your degree is in a law enforcement related discipline such as criminal justice or investigation.
During the recruitment interview for ATF investigators, candidates must pass a written test comprising a questionnaire, the treasury enforcement agent examination and the ATF special agent applicant assessment test. In addition, each candidate must sit for a panel interview that may include providing a written sample of an ATF agent report. This is then followed with screening on any criminal records, drug tests and medical examinations by authorized government doctors.
Testing for drugs and a security clearance are of critical importance given that the agent will be investigating such crimes. If they have a criminal record or have dabbled with drugs before, they are more likely to be compromised in the course of their duties.
Passing the interview and being hired is just the beginning of training for ATF investigators. Once short listed, successful candidates must go through a special federal training program for agents. Based in Georgia, this nine week program aims to increase the novice agents' knowledge in law enforcement techniques, surveillance, handling firearms and conducting arrests. After this, the trainee agents spend thirteen weeks at FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre) where they learn how to handle explosives and how to carry out the investigation of a bomb scene.
The ATF agent career is worth looking into if you are interested in a law enforcement career. Do a little more research by visiting websites that go into more detail about the career.
Note: Please feel free to reprint or republish this article. The only requirement is that the links be live links.
Kenneth Echie
Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer, expert author, and publisher. He currently writes for Criminal Justice Degrees. Get free scholarship report and learn to Become ATF Agent by visiting. Affiliated Website: Extra Income Ideas
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