Prerequisite: None

Law enforcement agents and regulators are more effective when they have all the communications they need, wherever and whenever they are. Whether it is conducting a covert surveillance operation, an explosives bunker inspection, conducting a contingency operation like hurricane Katrina support, or finishing paperwork at home having the right communications provides better intelligence, increases agent safety, reduces travel time, and increases moral.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been working for several years to empower its agents and inspectors to work anywhere without returning to the office. Nearly 80% of ATF personnel have broadband access. How ATF achieved this; how the audience can use ATF’s lessons learned; what infrastructure and tools are needed; and how ATF overcame funding, security, agent skills, and other issues will be the subject of this presentation.