ATF Will Now Work Directly with Local Police to Provide Intel, Comprehensive Threat Assessment on Criminal Networks Potentially Operating in Region / ATF Will Help City Identify Sources of Illegal Firearms Through Gun Trace Data / For First Time, Local Police Will Have Access to Specialized ATF Database, Aid from Feds in Identifying Grant Opportunities
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that in response to his request the Department of Justice (DOJ) has pledged new resources to aid the City of Wilkes-Barre in its effort against crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives (ATF) will now work directly with local police to provide intel including a comprehensive threat assessment of criminal networks potentially operating in the region. The ATF will help the city identify sources of illegal firearms through gun trace data. For the first time, local police will have access to a specialized ATF database and will receive aid from DOJ in identifying grant opportunities.
News of the commitment came in a letter to Casey from Assistant Attorney General Peter J. Kadzik. The letter was in response to Casey’s April letter urging the DOJ to step up efforts for the city.
“I appreciate the attention the Department of Justice has given to the challenges facing Wilkes-Barre when it comes to crime,” Senator Casey said. “These new efforts will help city law enforcement better identify the sources of crime in the region and develop a plan to stem criminal activity.”
DOJ’s full response to Casey detailing the new assistance coming to Wilkes-Barre can be seen here.
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