The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) is an armed law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).

BATFE is the federal government agency tasked with regulating the firearms industry and enforcing gun laws in the United States.

Their mission, as stated on their website ⇒, is: ¹

ATF is a unique law enforcement agency in the United State 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 terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public we serve through information sharing, training, research and use of technology.

aka:

• • ATF ²
  • BATF
  • BATFE

related:

• • • ATF Ruling

1. “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ⇒.” ATF. United States Department of Justice, n.d. Web. 23 May 2014.
2. National Firearms Act Handbook. ⇒ U.S. Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Office of Enforcement Programs and Services, 2009. p. 2.