The mission of the Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program is to promote transparency and accountability and enhance the public’s trust in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The program is responsible for deployments of body worn cameras to all special agents in every field division throughout the country. Task force officers assigned to ATF offices are also learning how to incorporate local/state body worn camera video into their federal investigations.
Additionally, the BWC Program provides training on ATF policy and procedure regarding the use of body worn cameras in enforcement operations. This training teaches users how to operate the camera as well as manage the video files, which are stored in a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS). Such media is considered a federal record and subject to federal disclosure laws.
Implementation Plan
July–November 2023
Washington Field Division
Baltimore Field Division
Seattle Field Division
Denver Field Division
September 2024–January 2025
Charlotte Field Division
New Orleans Field Division
Houston Field Division
Los Angeles Field Division
October 2019 | Announcement
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced component pilot programs for the use of BWCs by task force officers during pre-planned arrest and search warrants.
June 2021 | Memorandum Issued
The Deputy Attorney General issued a memorandum that ordered the components of the DOJ to develop BWC policies that require federal officers to wear and activate BWCs while executing pre-planned arrest warrants and search warrants.
September 2021–February 2022 | Phase One/Pilot Program
Detroit Field Division and Phoenix Field Division were operational by September 2021.
June 2022 | Implementation
ATF implemented the Special Agent Body Worn Camera Policy after completion of the pilot program.
July 2022 | Training Begins
ATF Policy and Procedure Course training began for special agents at the ATF National Academy.
September 2022 | Approval Received
The ATF Video Retention System Privacy Impact Assessment was approved by the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties.
July 2024 | National Academy
ATF National Academy camera deployments began.
Did you know?
- The BWC Program utilizes a DEMS which is a FedRamp authorized high, cloud-based system that stores all body worn camera recordings and other electronic evidence.
- This DEMS was implemented in support of criminal investigations.
- View the Body Worn Camera Policy
