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Body Worn Camera Program

The mission of the Body Worn Camera Program is to promote transparency and accountability and enhance the public’s trust in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The program is responsible for deployments of body worn cameras (BWC) to all special agents in every field division throughout the country. Task Force Officers (TFOs) assigned to ATF offices are also learning how to incorporate local/state BWC video into their federal investigations.

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ATF agent's tactical vest with body worn camera on it.

Additionally, the Body Worn Camera Program provides training on ATF policy and procedure regarding the use of BWCs in enforcement operations. The training teaches the user how to operate the camera as well as manage the video files, which are stored in a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS).  Such media is considered a federal record and subject to federal disclosure laws.

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Main map showing the locations of implementation

BWC Timeline

Announcement

October 2019

DOJ announces component pilot programs for the use of BWCs by TFOs during pre-planned arrest and search warrants.

Memorandum Issued

June 2021

The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) issues a memorandum that orders the components of the Department of Justice to develop body worn camera policies that require federal officers to wear and activate body worn cameras while executing pre-planned arrest warrants and search warrants.

Phase I - "Pilot Program"

September 2021

Detroit Field Division and Phoenix Field Division were operational by September 2021.

Implementation

June 2022

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives implements Special Agent Body Worn Camera Policy after completion of the Pilot Program.

Training Begins

July 2022

ATF Policy and Procedure Course training begins for special agents at the ATF National Academy.

Approval is Received

September 2022

The ATF Video Retention System Privacy Impact Assessment is approved by the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties. 

Phase II

July 2023

July 2023 - November 2023

Washington DC, Baltimore Field Division, Seattle Field Division, Denver Field Division

Phase III

January 2024

January 2024 - July 2024

ATF Special Response Team(s), Kansas City Field Division, Chicago Field Division, Las Cruces Field Office

National Academy

July 2024

ATF National Academy camera deployments begin.

Phase IV

September 2024

September 2024 - January 2025

Charlotte Field Division, New Orleans Field Division, Houston Field Division, Los Angeles Field Division

Phase V

February 2025

February 2025 - In progress

Columbus Field Division, Dallas Field Division, St. Paul Field Division

Announcement

Memorandum Issued

Phase I - "Pilot Program"

Implementation

Training Begins

Approval is Received

Phase II

Phase III

National Academy

Phase IV

Phase V

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Did you know?

  • The Body Worn Camera Program utilizes a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) which is a FedRamp authorized high, cloud-based system that stores all BWC recordings and other electronic evidence.
  • This DEMS was implemented in support of criminal investigations.
  • Body Worn Camera Policy
Last Updated: April 4, 2025

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