There is a legislative proposal in the works that would dissolve the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) strongly opposes any proposal that would abolish or diminish the ATF.

The ATF is, and has always been, a vital partner to state and local law enforcement in the shared mission of safeguarding citizens and reducing violent crime in U.S. communities. The close working relationship between the ATF and state and local law enforcement agencies is essential in continuing efforts to protect neighborhoods from violent criminals and organized criminal organizations, prevent the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, and combating the illegal use and storage of explosives and bombs that can be used in acts of terrorism. Years of effective partnership between ATF and state and local law enforcement have created a force multiplier that has been highly successful in reducing violent crime.