One recent operation ATF operation in Kansas involved agents taking 15 different gang members – from the Sureños, Diablos Viejos, and Norteños gangs – into custody on charges related to racketeering, illegal weapons possessions, and other crimes. While there is no typical day for ATF agents in Kansas, it is common for them to take illegal guns off the streets. In 2013 alone, ATF agents in Kansas seized more than 2500 guns.
The vast majority of illegal weapons were seized in Wichita, however significant numbers also came from Kansas City and Topeka. State residents interested in becoming ATF agents in Kansas can begin by considering the minimum requirements for the position, which include qualifying through either education or experience.
Education and Other Requirements for ATF Careers
Having a postsecondary education is one of the basic application requirements for an ATF job. Candidates applying for Special Agent positions must have a bachelor degree in any subject.
There are two recognized substitutions for this education requirement: having three years of increasing work responsibility in the fields of criminal investigations or law enforcement, or a combination of education and experience. However applicants should consider pursuing a bachelor degree because this combined with a good academic standing and a major in the following subjects will qualify them for a higher pay and rank:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Science
- Political Science
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice
In addition to the education requirements for ATF careers, interested parties will also need to ensure they:
- Are a US citizen
- Are between the ages of 21 and 36, with exceptions for federal police and veterans
- Have a driver’s license
- Can obtain a top secret security clearance
- Are in good, healthy physical condition
Completing the ATF Application and Training Process
Candidates can always sign up with the Bureau to be notified of vacant ATF jobs in Kansas, and when they are satisfied they meet the basic qualifications they can apply through the USA Jobs website.
Along with the application prospective agents will also need to include:
- ATF Special Agent Application Questionnaire
- ATF Special Agent Exam
- ATF Special Agent Applicant Assessment Test
- ATF Pre-Employment Physical Task Test
Training for ATF jobs takes place in two phases, the first being the 12-week Criminal Investigators Training Program, followed by a 15-week Special Agent Basic Training Course.
Examples of ATF Ops in Kansas
Some recent high profile cases involving the ATF in Kansas include these two investigations dealing with cigarette smuggling and gangs who use firearms during the commission of crimes:
- Over the course of a recent undercover operation, ATF Agents were able to secure a $3.5 million civil forfeiture and a $300,000 penalty against several suspects including a Wichita attorney who participated in a $17 million cigarette smuggling scheme. The undercover operation at one point involved one of the suspects transporting $400,000 in cash in an orange bucket to a warehouse controlled by ATF Agents.
- The Topeka Police Department recently enlisted the help of ATF Agents when, during the course of a traffic stop they came upon an improvised explosive device in the pocket of a suspect. ATF Agents were able to present evidence in court that, had the device detonated, it had the possibility of being deadly.