How to Become an ATF Agent in Idaho

Although it is the 39th most populous state in the nation, Idaho still manages to have a diversity of criminals. One thing that drug traffickers, the Mexican Mafia, and white supremacists have in common is that they’ve all been the subject of recent ATF busts in Idaho.

Last year over a two-month period, ATF Agents made several high profile arrests in the state, resulting in 23 indictments for weapons and drugs offenses against the suspects involved in these activities. The ATF is mainly involved in cases like these through joint law enforcement collaborations, such as the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which was responsible for the recent take down of members of the Aryan Knights gang.

ATF Agents are often called upon for their firearms expertise, which last year was responsible for removing 870 guns from the streets in Idaho.

Citizens interested in pursuing careers in this field can begin by researching how to become an ATF Agent in Idaho.

Meeting Basic ATF Requirements

There are a few sets of basic ATF job requirements that all candidates must meet, starting with education. All prospective ATF Agents need to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, or be able to substitute for this by having three years of experience in the fields of law enforcement and criminal investigations. A combination of education and experience may also fulfill this requirement.

It is worth noting that those qualifying with a bachelor’s degree in the following subjects may be eligible for entry into the ATF at a more advanced level if they can also demonstrate a good academic record:

  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Forensic Science
  • Sociology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Law Enforcement

Applicants will also need to meet a few basic personal requirements:

  • Have US citizenship and a driver’s license
  • Be between the ages of 21-36, with some exceptions for veterans and federal police
  • Be able to obtain a top secret security clearance
  • Be in good physical shape

Candidates for ATF jobs can sign up to be notified by the Bureau when vacancies become open, and the application itself can be made through the federal USA Jobs website. The following are also part of the initial application process:

After being accepted for hire, completing 12 weeks of introductory ATF training in the Criminal Investigators Training Program, followed by 15 weeks in Special Agent Basic Training, new agents will be ready for their first assignment.

Major ATF Operations in Idaho

In Idaho, agents receive their assignments from the ATF’s Boise Field Office. These may include everything from investigating bootlegged spirits to arresting dangerous gang members. Agent expertise is often requested when dealing with gang members because this usually involves firearms.

Eight people were recently indicted in Boise on firearms charges, relating to their membership in a gang known as the Aryan Knights who distribute drugs throughout Idaho. In a separate case, a lone man was investigated by the ATF because of his arrest on drug trafficking and firearms charges after an officer discovered marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and an illegally purchased semi-automatic pistol during a traffic stop.

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