Detroit Field Division

The Detroit city skyline Photo used under Creative Commons from Wikipedia user Shawn Wilson

Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Detroit, Michigan. Our Division is responsible for Federal criminal enforcement and industry regulatory activities throughout the State of Michigan.

ATF is committed to reducing violent crime in neighborhoods across Michigan, and we do so by working in teams that each focus on a different aspect of the division’s mission. Individual cases may originate within one team, but a spirit of cross collaboration within our Division and with our Federal, State and local partners is often the key to successful investigations.

Detroit Field Division Special Agents combat firearms violence by focusing their investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, career criminals, gun traffickers and gangs. We also work in partnership with other Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies throughout Michigan and Canada to accomplish this mission.

Explosives and arson enforcement is an integral part of ATF’s overall violent crime reduction strategy and the division is home to certified explosive specialists, certified fire investigators, an arson detecting K-9 unit, and an explosives detecting K-9 unit. Detroit Field Division Special Agent combat arson, explosives and Tobacco related crimes by conducting independent investigations and by working in partnership with local, State fire investigators, police bomb squads, and Tobacco Units.

ATF also has the responsibility of regulating the firearms and explosives commercial retail industries. Our industry investigators work to ensure that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled, and sold in a safe manner and according to law.

We encourage all residents to get involved and assist us in our goal of reducing crime in our communities. If Michigan residents have information regarding violent criminal activity in our State, do not hesitate to contact ATF at (313) 202-3400.

Thomas E. Brandon


Division Management Team

Thomas E. Brandon
Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
William A. Temple
Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
S. Robin Shoemaker
Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
Curtis W. Gilbert
Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
Donald Dawkins
Public Information Officer (PIO)

Division Contact Information

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
1155 Brewery Park Boulevard, Suite 300
Detroit, Michigan 48207 USA
Voice (313) 202-3400
Fax (313) 202-3445

Federal Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant Served in Firearms Theft Case

February 23, 2010

Special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and detectives from the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) on February 22, 2010, arrested an individual identified as Joshua BRUFF of Owosso, Mich, for alleged violations of federal firearms laws. More »


Federal Arrest Warrants Served Across the Saginaw Area

December 10, 2009

Special agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigators from Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (BAYANET) and the Michigan State Police (MSP) arrested numerous individuals today as part of several ongoing criminal investigations, which started in December 2008. More »

Detroit Press Release Archive