ATF - Essay Example

Harris Kamran Business Case Study 18 June The bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives, or ATF, is a law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Justice which is aimed at providing safety and control measures with regard to the specified sectors, as is evident from its name (ATF). The bureau is constituted upon three basic levels, which are further branched in parallel to form a comprehensive organizational structure for effective management.

The first tier of this structure consists primarily of the Director, who shares this level with the chief of staff and the chief counsel, and can also function in their capacity (ATF). The next level forms a link between the director and the ground level officers, and consists solely of the deputy director, who is also the chief operating officer (ATF). The third or the ground level consists of offices such as the offices of public and governmental affairs, strategic intelligence and information, science and technology, management, enforcement programs and services, field operations, training and professional development, and professional responsibility and security operations (ATF).

Out of the ten functions of the bureau, six have been prioritized (Melson). Out of those six, two are management functions (Melson). These include the modernization and workforce (Melson). The management function of modernization falls under the domain of the office of science and technology, whereas the function of workforce is performed by the office of training and professional development (ATF). The other four functions are strategic in nature (Melson).

ATF does not work independently and alone. It works in collaboration with many outside agencies and groups to increase the scope and effectiveness of its mission areas (Melson). Some of these external influences include the industry sector, academia, the social groups in the communities that the bureau performs in, local, tribal, state, Federal, and international law enforcement agencies, national and international safety organizations, professional and skilled workforce groups, and other information and technology sectors (Melson).

All these areas of influence effect the way the bureau performs. ATF both effects and is effected by external businesses. It serves in the capacity of a customer and a provider (ATF). The aim of the bureau with regard to business is the provision of quality business solutions with the safest approach while maintain acquisition protocols (ATF). The bureau acts as the customer for information technology services, equipment, and training, automobiles, firearms, ammunition, auditing services, and office supplies (ATF).

In return, it provides business solutions, especially to small businesses, plans acquisitions, provides counseling to new businesses, organizes business workshops and seminars, and acts as a link between contractors and new businesses (ATF). It aims to exceed the set performance and service goals, and the five-year socio-economic goals (ATF). Works Cited ATF. About ATF, 2012. Web. 18 June 2012. http://www.atf.gov/about/ Melson, Kenneth E. “At the frontline against violent crime.

” Strategic Plan. ATF, 2010. Web. 18 June 2012. http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/sp/2010- 2016/2010-2016-strategic-plan-vision-mission.pdf “Management of seized assets and evidence by the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives.” Office of the Inspector General. U.S. Department of Justice, 2006. Web. 18 June 2012. http://www.justice.gov/oig/reports/ATF/a0637/final.pdf