Fast Facts
The U.S. Bomb Data Center (USBDC) analyzes intelligence data for investigations on bombings, arson and explosive crimes for federal, military, tribal, state, local and international partners.
Skilled USBDC technicians use statistical modeling to identify trends and leads regarding explosive and arson cases.
The USBDC manages the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS), a national archive that holds over 820,000 bombing- and arson-related facts, evidence and investigation materials.
USBDC collects information and intelligence about crimes involving bombings, arson and explosives to support interagency criminal cases. The center supports local, state, federal, tribal, military, and international law enforcement partners. It produces information and monitors trends on the criminal use of explosives and arson. USBDC increases regional and national situational awareness, which supports federal law enforcement agencies and prevents violent crime and terrorism.
Combating Violent Crime
In the past, police and fire investigators relied on systems across jurisdictions to piece together data on arson, explosives and bombing crimes. This resulted in delays in solving violent crimes. In 1996, Congress passed legislation to create a central database on arson, bombings and explosive incidents. ATF created Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS) to provide this solution. BATS helps law enforcement to generate leads and track down suspects for prosecution.
The Numbers
6,400
law enforcement personnel authorized as BATS system users, representing 2,220 agencies.
820,000
bombing and arson-related facts, evidence and investigation materials stored in BATS.
Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS)
BATS is a database that provides local, state and federal arson and explosives investigators with the latest data and criminal case information from across the nation to assist them in investigating violent crimes involving explosives and fire. BATS data is used to produce arson and explosives intelligence reports, including the yearly Arson Incident Report and Explosives Incident Report to report on trends in violent crime and terrorism.
USBDC instructors provide BATS training to law enforcement and fire investigation agencies throughout the country. Instructors also provide BATS training during the annual Raven’s Challenge, a joint national preparedness exercise. BATS training is also provided at ATF’s National Center for Explosives Training and Research and the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School.
Arson and Explosive Intelligence
The Arson and Explosives Information and Analysis Section provides intelligence and case support, including expert witness testimony, to local, state, and federal agencies that investigate explosives- and fire-related matters. The Explosives Tracing Unit provides tracing information on the interstate and international movement of explosives as well as original manufacturing information.
