BALTIMORE – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) today announced a new, enhanced partnership to address and prevent gangs and firearms violence in schools. ATF is a principal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice dedicated to reducing violent crime nationwide.

“Violent incidents at school or on the playground are always a parent’s worst nightmare,” said ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson. “ATF is working hard, through our firearms trafficking initiatives, to keep guns out of the hands of children and off of schools grounds. We are committed to making our schools and school grounds safe places for our children to learn, grow and develop.”

“NASRO is excited to be a part of this important announcement by Acting Director Kenneth Melson and the partnership with ATF,” said Dr. Richard Caster, NASRO executive director.

The partnership seeks to focus ATF’s investigative, intelligence and training resources to address and prevent firearms violence in all schools. ATF’s commitment includes:

• ATF subject matter experts on school-based violence providing training at the school resource officer and school safety conferences supported by NASRO; and
• Working with NASRO and local law enforcement to evaluate firearms trends among juveniles, as well as firearms-related gang activity in our schools.

ATF historically has been involved in programs designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid youth violence and to develop beliefs and activities that will help them avoid destructive behaviors.

More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov.