An Introduction to the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Featuring Special Agent James Rhoden

Special Agent James Rhoden will conduct a presentation of the responsibilities, operations and structure of the Federal Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). He will discuss the role that the ATF plays in the law enforcement community as well as the various diverse branches of their operations. In addtion to discussing what it's like working for the ATF, Special Agent Rhoden will discuss future job opportunities, employment, selection criteria and the training needed to work for the ATF. While discussing careers in the Federal Service, Special Agent Rhoden will, for example, differentiate among Special Agents, Intelligence Research Specialists, and work in industry operations. Special Agent Rhoden began his career with the ATF in 2004 and was stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2008, he transferred to Nashville, Tennessee and was assigned as the ATF’s representative to the FBI’s Counterterrorism Task Force. In 2014, he received the award for Excellence in Law Enforcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the successful prosecution of the “Fast Food Robber.” This individual robbed, at gunpoint, over 20 fast food restaurants spanning three states. He was tried and received 37 years in Federal prison. In 2011, Special Agent Rhoden created a violent crime initiative to curb the growing violence in Robertson County, TN. Under his direction, a task force was formed, and began arresting key members of local gangs responsible for the violence. In two short years, violent crime had dropped significantly. In 2016, Robertson County did not have a single homicide, this was the first time this had occurred in over 20 years. In 2016, Special Agent Rhoden was recognized by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office for service to the community. Violent crime had been reduced to levels below the state average, as gang members were now fleeing the city to avoid apprehension by the task force. Also in 2016, due to his outstanding work, Special Agent Rhoden received the Excellence in Law Enforcement Award from the United States Attorney’s Office. He was subsequently promoted to Division Operations Officer (DOO) in April of 2018 and moved to the Columbus Field Division of the ATF. As the DOO, he ensures each office within division has the resources it needs to successfully complete their mission, is responsible for data transfer to the ATF Headquarters in Washington DC, and also functions as the recruiter for the Columbus Field Division.