About the San Francisco Field Division

Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) San Francisco Field Division. Representing one of the twenty-five ATF field divisions in the United States, our geographic area of responsibility encompasses northern California, from the Oregon border to Bakersfield, and the state of Nevada. Our dedicated workforce is comprised of special agents, industry operations investigators, forensic auditors, technicians, support staff and contract workers.

ATF is a key federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice that is committed to reducing violent crime in our communities. Our close relationships with our state and local law partners include collaborative efforts with police, sheriff and fire investigators, homicide investigators and local and regional bomb squads. These partnerships have created a force multiplier that has proven to be highly successful in reducing violent crime. We protect our neighborhoods 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.

Explosives and arson enforcement is an integral part of ATF’s overall violent crime reduction strategy. ATF special agents, certified explosives specialists, explosives enforcement officers, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists are prepared to respond to any explosive or fire scene and routinely work with the local first responders to process the scene, recover, examine and analyze evidence, conduct follow up investigation, and provide expert testimony in court. ATF is charged with the duty of regulating the firearms and explosives industries. We are committed to the goal of ensuring all firearms and explosives are stored, handled, and sold in a safe manner according to law.

One of ATF’s four forensic science laboratories and one of ATF’s three regional Explosives Technology Branch offices are located within the geographic area of the San Francisco Field Division. ATF’s forensic laboratories were the first federal laboratories to achieve accreditation in 1984 by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). Achieving ASCLD/LAB (ISO) accreditation is a rigorous process for forensic laboratories, requiring extensive review of laboratory examination and documentation procedures used in the examination of evidence.

The men and women of ATF are proud to serve you and our goal of reducing violent crime and protecting our nation is ever present. If you have a question or have information that may assist us in our mission, please contact us at (925) 557-2800.

Jennifer L. Cicolani 

Last Reviewed July 25, 2023