To conclude our series on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, we’ll look at some common ways an ATF worker can get injured during work. ATF employees often engage in dangerous work, particularly their work environments and dealing with people of special investigation. The nature of their job puts them at a significant risk for intentional violent injuries. Below are a few clients we have helped/are helping.
Investigator
An ATF Investigator routinely has contact with, and interviews, individuals of special interest. They must conduct investigations and inspections, identify evidence, perform background checks, understand federal/state laws involving commerce in alcohol and tobacco and verify inventories. They must be able to think clearly and stay focused on their task at hand without distraction.
This client was suffering from conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Migraines, and Insomnia. They had trouble communicating, their stomach was always in knots, and they couldn’t concentrate or focus for long periods of time.
Special Agent
As an ATF Special Agent, one must investigate federal law violations related to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco. That person must conduct surveillance, interviews, and searches. They must also be physically and mentally tough, go through rigorous training, take personal risks, work irregular hours, travel extensively, prepare reports and testify in court.
This client was suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. They couldn’t make decisions or prioritize work, had uncontrollable anger and outburst, and panic attacks. These made it difficult for them to be mentally tough and to be effective at this job.
Special Agent
Again, this person was required to be mentally and physically tough and meet the requirements of being a Special Agent.
This person was suffering from multiple concussions, memory loss, ruptured discs in the neck, abdominal hernia, and cancer. They were unable to organize caseload, lost track of conversations, couldn’t take notes, would get anxious and frustrated, had nausea and dizziness, couldn’t use a computer or phone for prolonged periods of time due to a light sensitivity, couldn’t sleep, and tired easily. Clearly, performing the duties of a Special Agent was extremely difficult for this person due to their conditions.
