ATF Special Agent

The Job

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) special agent is a federal law enforcement officer. Investigations involve surveillance, raids, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining search warrants, and searching for evidence. ATF Special agents must also be able to handle rigorous training, personal risks, irregular hours, and extensive travel. Special agents are subject to transfer anywhere in the United States.

ATF special agents investigate criminal violations of federal laws, including violations relating to explosives, firearms, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. They gather and analyze evidence through investigative leads, seizures and arrests, and execution of search warrants. Special agents prepare criminal investigative case reports and testify for the government in court or before grand juries.

Working Conditions

The ATF is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices throughout the United States and its territories. Special agents usually work about 10 or more hours per day. Work schedule and hours worked per day or week vary according to assignment, and travel may be considerable.

Employment

As of 2002, the ATF employed over 2,000 officers, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Qualifications, Job Training, and Promotions

Applicants for positions as ATF special agents must:

• be a U.S. citizen
• be between the ages of 21 and 37 at the time of appointment
• have a valid driver's license
• complete ATF special agent applicant questionnaire
• pass the Treasury Enforcement Agent examination
• pass the ATF special agent applicant assessment test
• complete a field panel interview and provide a writing sample
• pass a polygraph examination and background investigation for a top secret clearance
• comply with ATF's drug policy
• pass a medical examination
• perform physically strenuous duties
• pass vision and hearing tests
• pass a drug test

Earnings

As of 2005, special agents earned $30,438 to $38,636, depending on pay grade. Agents also receive locality pay and Law Enforcement Availability Pay.