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Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division Internal Revenue Service U.S. Department of the Treasury 1968-1971

Foundation for the Modern ATF

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Badge for the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury 1968-1971

Investigations of firearms and explosives-related crimes and the regulation of those industries became a higher priority within the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  This was in large part due to legislation such as the GCA, Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control Act, Title XI of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and the Safe Streets Act of 1968, which imposed the first Federal jurisdiction over destructive devices. Congress delegated the enforcement of the laws and regulations to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division which, because of its expanded responsibilities in the firearms arena, became known as the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division.

Last Updated: January 17, 2025

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