Paul D. Vanderplow is currently serving as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Detroit Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) since January 2022. SAC Vanderplow is directly responsible for executing all ATF’s regulatory and criminal enforcement operations throughout the State of Michigan and is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES).
SAC Vanderplow began his career in 1995 with the Detroit District of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID). After a successful transfer to ATF’s San Francisco Field Division in 2001, he served as a Special Agent in the San Jose Field Office. Following a 2007 promotion to Group Supervisor in the Chicago Field Division, S/A Vanderplow supervised a gang enforcement group as well as the Division Operations group.
In 2010, he transferred to ATF Headquarters, as Chief, Resource Management Branch, Financial Management Division. Returning to the field in 2013, Mr. Vanderplow was Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division before he assumed the role of Chief, International Affairs Division in 2016, where he facilitated the Bureau’s international posts, training, and liaison efforts.
Vanderplow then went on to serve as Chief of the Special Operations Division (SOD) FO, where he oversaw multiple unique branches and programs that provide support to criminal enforcement and regulatory missions, as well as assistance to other law enforcement agencies. Prior to joining the SOD in 2018, Mr. Vanderplow served as Chief, Field Management Staff. In this role, he had responsibility for the Field Operations support function, which included providing technical and administrative guidance on strategic plans, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures, developing staffing recommendations, and supporting major investigations.
S/A Vanderplow attended Arizona State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting. S/A Vanderplow is also an Eagle Scout and currently holds the position of Chief Administrator/Committee Chairperson for Law Enforcement Exploring.