User:Mblue09/U.S. Data Bomb Center

The U.S. Bomb Data Center serves as a nation-wide collection center for information regarding arson and explosives related events throughout the United States. The Center was established in 1996 as a result of a congressional mandate and utilizes information from various government organizations such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the United States Fire Administration.

Mission

The mission of the U.S. Bomb Data Center is five-fold, covering a variety of topics within the arson and explosives field. The first part of their mission is to provide statistics on arson and explosives drawing on information from the ATF, FBI and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, they are required to maintain a database on relevant arson and explosives related investigations that can be accessed at the federal, state and local level of law enforcement agencies. The third aspect of their mission entails providing current and timely information regarding arson and explosives issues to law enforcement by gathering and compiling data to illustrate key trends and patterns. The next component of their mission calls for providing a method for law enforcement personnel to increase communication and corroboration on investigations involving arson and explosives. Finally, the U.S. Bomb Data Center is tasked with preparing research material to aid investigators with the identification of explosive material and techniques used to perpetrate arson.

History

In 1996, the United States Congress passed legislation ordering the United States Secretary of the Treasury to establish a National Repository of Information concerning arson incidents and the actual and suspected criminal misuse of explosives throughout the United States. The Secretary of the Treasury turned around and decided that the ATF was best suited for this job and handed over the responsibility. From there the ATF created the National Repository of Information, specifically in regards to incidents involving arson and the criminal misuse of explosive materials. The information that is gathered is available for a broad array of uses such as statistical analysis and research, investigative leads, and intelligence research. Historically, this center is staffed by ATF special agents, intelligence research specialists and support personnel who all possess a background in arson and explosives. With the implementation of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the responsibilities of the center were transferred from the United States Department of the Treasury to within the United States Department of Justice. Two years later in 2004, the U.S. Attorney General ordered the consolidation of all DOJ arson and explosives databases into what is now known as the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS).

Explosives Tracing

The Center's parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), supervises its administrative and financial activities.

As an interagency training organization, FLETC has assembled some of the finest professionals from diverse backgrounds to serve on its faculty and staff. Approximately one-third of the instructor staff are permanent FLETC employees. The remainder are Federal officers and investigators on short-term assignment from their parent organizations or recently retired from the field. This mix of permanent, detailed, and recently retired staff provides a balance of experience and fresh insight from the field. Partner Organizations have input regarding training issues and functional aspects of the Center. Agencies take part in curriculum review and development conferences and help develop policies and directives. This relationship is characteristic of a "true partnership", responsive to the training mission.

Since its inception in 1970, FLETC has invested heavily in renovation, expansion, acquisition, and new construction to meet the ever increasing training needs of its Partner Organizations. This effort gained considerable momentum following a series of congressional mandates in the 1990s. Impetus was again added following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

See also

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• United States Fire Administration

External links

• FLETC site