About Baltimore Field Division

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division is responsible for criminal enforcement and industry operations in the states of Maryland and Delaware. Its dedicated work force is comprised of dozens of individuals to include Special Agents, Industry Operations Investigators, Intelligence Research Specialists, Forensic Auditors, Explosive Enforcement Officers, and support staff. ATF is a unique law enforcement agency that protects communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives, and acts of arson and bombings. ATF is strategic in its efforts to reduce violent crime and protect our public.

The ATF Baltimore Field Division’s top priority is to address and investigate violent crime. The Special Agents assigned to the Violent Crime Impact Teams combat firearms violence by focusing our investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, armed career criminals, illegal gun traffickers, and violent criminal gangs.

ATF is committed to protecting innocent bystanders and victims from those who illegally commit the crime of arson, or use explosives in violent crime and related incidents. ATF Baltimore’s Arson and Explosives Group brings together specialized assets and expertise in arson and explosives investigations. Special Agents, many of whom are Certified Fire Investigators and Certified Explosives Specialists, participate in high–profile arson and explosive related investigations.

The ATF Baltimore Field Division leads the law enforcement effort in Maryland’s “Exile” program. This program works to identify repeat violent offenders and career criminals who have been arrested for firearm-related offenses on the State level; specifically in Baltimore, Prince George’s, Frederick, and Wicomico counties. These cases are investigated and referred for prosecution in the Federal system where the minimum mandatory sentences are more severe, and there is no possibility of parole. Similar initiatives are led by Special Agents in the ATF Wilmington Field Office. Since the inception of both programs, hundreds of violent offenders have been "exiled" from neighborhoods in Maryland and Delaware.

ATF Baltimore’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) is comprised of ATF Special Agents, Industry Operations Investigators, and Intelligence Research Specialists, as well as several local law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office. The objective of the CGIC is to produce and investigate real time and actionable information focusing the efforts of our Special Agents and partners on the “trigger pullers” in Maryland. CGIC investigators utilize several tools, to include the ATF National Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is an ATF-managed law enforcement program used to identify, target, and prosecute shooters and their sources of “crime guns.” It is the only system of its type, and it enables the capture and comparison of cartridges to aid in solving firearm-related violent crime. The goal of the CGIC is to “connect the dots” and provide actionable investigative leads in a real time manner, which result in the arrest of suspects before they can commit additional shootings.

ATF Baltimore’s Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) oversee the inspection of over 3,200 Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) and over 90 Explosives Licensees/Permittees within the states of Maryland and Delaware. The top priority is to educate and ensure compliance amongst our firearms and explosives licensees, and to provide guidance and instruction in order to meet such compliance. Through education, compliance, and the imposition of penalties, Industry Operation Investigators work to enforce firearms and explosives laws and regulations in order to keep our communities safe.

ATF is responsible for regulating the firearms and explosives industries. ATF protects communities by preventing the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives, and ensuring that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled, and sold in a safe manner that is in accordance with federal law.

ATF works in conjunction with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest the most violent offenders and bring them to justice. This alliance supports ATF’s mission of reducing violent crime. We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to bring safety and security to our citizens – today and every day. The goal of these combined efforts is to create safer communities throughout Maryland and Delaware, and across this great nation.

As we continue the fight in the war against violent crime, the men and women of ATF remain committed to protecting the public and serving our nation.

Last Reviewed March 1, 2023