1315 replies to this topic

[Doc Holiday]

Can anyone confirm the following story posted on a blog site? Somebody tell me it aint so!!!! Please.

You can add Andy Traver, in Chicago to that list of young, incompetent SAC's at the age of 40ish. Here is a recent example of his "leadership"! Chicago just held a Fantasy Agent Draft! They took approximately 75% of the Agents, only the ones located in the Chicago land area (because we can't afford to move anyone) and moved them from group to group based on their popularity with a Supervisor! They even had a pre-draft meeting where the Supervisors were told the rules and order of which they were to make their selections! The Supervisors were able to "protect" 1-2 of their favorite agents (read between the lines: good-old boy-club). The dry erase board went into overdrive as the Supervisors threw agents under the bus and argued with other Supervisors in-order to trade agents! It was the most unprofessional processes you can imagine. Traver threaten discipline on any Supervisor who leaked what actually went on inside the trades! Yet, Traver, his front office team and supervisors thought it was a great idea. At the same time, Traver had his Supervisors meeting where he basically tore up HQ's and showed his continued disdain and lack of respect for all his bosses. Yet, he wonders why not one of his management team respects him. For that matter, none of Andy's counterparts (SAC's) respects him. He leads by example...No interest in ATF nor any respect for bosses! If only the agents could get a dry erase board and select their Supervisors, ASAC's and SAC. I bet the only survivor would be the Supervisor who just returned from exile, Fargo North Dakota. If only someone in HQ's gave a damn about the sinking ship in Chicago, they would clear out the front office and all participating Supervisor in this fantasy draft!!

Doc-
I hope that’s a rhetorical question. Its Chicago! Just follow the money and favors that he has done for the friends of Obama and the former Senator himself. Check the donations and contributions lists that are required to be filed under state and federal election laws. Instead of ATF Director maybe they can make him Superintendant of the Chicago Police and take Martin with him.

[apostate]

Anyone know this guy's story? More good press for the ATF http://blog.clevelan...f_stealing.html

[Iceman]

Say it aint so. ASAC George "the predator" Gilette is sporting an earring? He wasn't a street agent when he WAS an agent. He is filing a beef because he got caught violating policy, not once but twice. Seriously? A guy who has abused his workforce, betrayed his peer managers and embarrassed the agency, is going to throw a little temper tantrum and be the EARRING ASAC. George, you are embarrasing yourself more than you are embarrasing the agency. Mr. Melson, why are you tolerating this?

[Doc Holiday]

Rumor has it that G Elaine Smith BDO is not up to speed on Bureau policies regarding recording Agents. Word is she recorded a response to an adverse action and when confronted stated she was not aware of the NO recording policy. How bad is it that a former Ethics attorney doesnt know the Bureaus policies? Isnt she the one who thought Agents Dobyns' arson fire of his residence with his family in it was "Light reading" for Ronnie Carter?

[Doc Holiday]

Look, if this were an election, Mr. Melson and crew would be leaving office. How many times does he and Mr. Holder need to read "ATF is w/o leadership" or "ATF is a rudderless ship"? Mr. Melson, They (the American people and the media) are saying you are failing. So are we. What are you going to do about it? Stopping releasing data is NOT the answer. Releasing non agenda driven, factual data is the answer. Stop trying to pad the information to get more money. A liar IS a liar no matter what his justification.

[ProConfesso]

It is time to see the BIG picture and your place in it. http://www.washingto...0102505823.html http://www.nytimes.c...=rssnyt&emc=rss

[Doc Holiday]

All the national media repeats over and over "ATF is leaderless, ATF is without a leader, ATF rudderless ship". Correct me if I'm wrong, but Ken Melson IS our leader for now. Can we draw ANY other conclusion than Mr. Melson is NOT a leader? Could that be because he has not held ONE manager accountable? He has let Chait lie to him, Ford embarrass him, Hoover deceive him, Torres shame him, and he has taken NO action? Being a nice man does not make you a leader Mr. Melson and everybody is seeing it. Internal disputes are on the rise. EEO division of the bureau is faking it. The American public is seeing the man behind the curtain. Old ethical abuses have gone unresolved. You legacy is rapidly approaching "Failure". Stop listening to failed bosses. We have been in this field for thousands of collective years and we have NO agenda. The Bureau is circling the toilet and you are not stopping those who have put us here.

[Thor God of Thunder]

This is just outrageous! It is funny how quickly the executives and SACs will contact IA when a field agent or supervisor screws up or violates policy. However, when an executive or one of their "good old boys" screws up, its not a big deal and it really did not happen that way and they come up with a whole host of excuses to justify the reason why DOJ's OPRSO should not be called in. As long as we have these LOSERS in charge, there will always be CHAOS within ATF. As long as the rules do not apply to everyone the same way, there will always be CHAOS within ATF. As long as we have these idiots misspending the $$$$, there will always be CHAOS at ATF. ATF is like a balloon, which is about to pop!

[Snake bite]

Don York is getting a retirement move back home? I thought he trashed ATF Vegas and our reputation with the locals. #1 Why are we rewarding him? #2 We are already in a pinch for move money and have a gunrunner group to fill down there. Does Mr. Melson know about this? Did nobody in Louisville put in for the job? Could nobody in Louisville be drafted for a GS 14 job? Wasn't York already a ops guy in Louisville? Its common knowledge that York is/was going to retire. Why are the taxpayers footing the bill? Now we are incurring 2 $100000 moves. Seriously Billy, its not your money!!!!We are denying hardships while appeasing bad managers. We are asking agents to pay there own way to high need offices but taking care of our boss friends. OUTRAGEOUS.

Doc,

York was the Ops guy in Louisville in the late 90's up to the early to mid 2000's. He got caught up in the "old Agent" draft that ATF did a few years back. Instead of taking a hit to some place nobody wanted to go, York put in and was given a RAC job in Vegas. Since he was "taken care of" and got his own RACdom, York didn't file an EEO complaint due to age discrimination.

You had another question about if anyone in Louisville put in for the DOO spot. Yes, there were applicants within the Louisville FD that wanted the DOO position. It appears that nobody who applied met Vido's requirements.

If York has a history of ruining ATF's relationships with other police agencies, he'll fit in perfect in Louisville with Vido. Since Vido's rein of terror began he has accomplished pi$$*ng off all of the other federal agencies, the state agencies and local police throughout the LFD. So, as long as York is willing to tell Vido how great he is, stroke Vido's huge ego on a dailey basis and try to ruin all relationships with other police agencies, York will fit in fine.

Snake Bite out

[Phillip McMichael]

How do I/we get the sealed depositions of Domenech,Gillette and Newell. Perjury has got to be stopped and somebody needs to hold this Bureau accountable. Mr. melson, you came here with a squeaky clean record and an air of integrity. After all this, ATF has obviously convinced you that it is ok to lie to Congress. IT IS ON YOUR WATCH. First time poster but more is coming. Where are your webcasts? Was that just a stop gap? I know dozens of agents who have taken you up on your open door policy. You know what they say? NADA, zip, zilch. You know Chait and Hoover and Co. have lied to you about the border. You know Ficaretta and crew tried to impliment their own assault weapons ban by scaring the State Dept. You know that we gave up our explosives jurisdictions. You know so much but yet have refused to correct the corrupt, YES corrupt state of affairs at ATF. Maybe you should go somewhere and be a professor. WE NEED LEADERSHIP.

Can FOIA be filed?

[Doc Holiday]

Don York is getting a retirement move back home? I thought he trashed ATF Vegas and our reputation with the locals. #1 Why are we rewarding him? #2 We are already in a pinch for move money and have a gunrunner group to fill down there. Does Mr. Melson know about this? Did nobody in Louisville put in for the job? Could nobody in Louisville be drafted for a GS 14 job? Wasn't York already a ops guy in Louisville? Its common knowledge that York is/was going to retire. Why are the taxpayers footing the bill? Now we are incurring 2 $100000 moves. Seriously Billy, its not your money!!!!We are denying hardships while appeasing bad managers. We are asking agents to pay there own way to high need offices but taking care of our boss friends. OUTRAGEOUS.

[Iceman]

How do I/we get the sealed depositions of Domenech,Gillette and Newell. Perjury has got to be stopped and somebody needs to hold this Bureau accountable. Mr. melson, you came here with a squeaky clean record and an air of integrity. After all this, ATF has obviously convinced you that it is ok to lie to Congress. IT IS ON YOUR WATCH. First time poster but more is coming. Where are your webcasts? Was that just a stop gap? I know dozens of agents who have taken you up on your open door policy. You know what they say? NADA, zip, zilch. You know Chait and Hoover and Co. have lied to you about the border. You know Ficaretta and crew tried to impliment their own assault weapons ban by scaring the State Dept. You know that we gave up our explosives jurisdictions. You know so much but yet have refused to correct the corrupt, YES corrupt state of affairs at ATF. Maybe you should go somewhere and be a professor. WE NEED LEADERSHIP.

[Doc Holiday]

Just as expected. The incompetant, abusive and unethical Las Vegas RAC who stated he would retire to return to Louisville where his wife has a job, now gets an all expense paid move to Louisville with a one yr commitment, no prospect of repaying the Bureau with hard work or even a few years of service. Is this good asset management Mr. Melson? Dont you think some new up and coming agent who has actually earned the position should get it and a shot at upward mobility? Why are we paying $100,000 just to fill an ops officer job? You'll be re-announcing it and paying for another move in 12 months. Oh thats right, its not your money. PS Thought we had no move money.

[Doc Holiday]

Word is the RAC in Vegas, York is ready to retire and his wife has a job back in Louisville. So then why would the Bureau consider making him the DOO there? Oh yeah, so the government can use on of its precious paid moves to get him back home. Talk about waste fraud and abuse. If he is a poor RAC, why would you discourage his retirement and prevent someone who has years left to serve from getting the position. Thats right, hes friends with Billy. Guess its more of the same in SFFD. The Oakland RAC has the lowest productivity in the entire field division. Hes incompetent when it comes to running an enforcement group. He is abusive and throwing a temper tantrum because they did not make him a ASAC. Hell Oakland PD has formally complained (Over the SACs head) of his apathy and incompetence and HE'S STILL A BOSS. How can that be? Denver field division is trying to terminate a veteran agent for a slow year, and this agent out produced the ENTIRE Oakland Office. The Agents in Oakland deserve better. Accountability Mr. Melson

[Doc Holiday]

Does anyone know if SAC Torres is going to be charged with abuse of authority for strongarming the production company? Did the agency refer it to the IG? Shouldn't he be relieved of duty and sued by the DOJ for harming the agency like they have done to SA Dobyns. Isn't extortion illegal.

[Doc Holiday]

If anyone has evidence that Durasanti went to see his GF Lori and did not conduct significant business, REPORT IT. Crenshaw did it, and is no longer AD.

[Phillip McMichael]

[Boston Field Division had an all hands conference last May in which Durastanti came as SAC CIMB to give a presentation on op plans. He started his presentation with a rant about how he worked the streets hard and now at 37 years old he is a SAC. quote name='bandit' date='10 October 2010 - 04:21 PM' timestamp='1286745713' post='1059'] Fiscal responsibility and SOD, such a contradiction. They are so used to doing things illegally, that they have lost sight of the truth, and why they carry a badge. Traveling on the G, for personal reasons, ….. ask a meber of SOD who traveled from Shot Show in Las Vegas to FLETC to assist with the SRT K9 re-certifications. Oh,… did I mention that he never showed up, except to meet his girlfriend……, who just happened to be assigned to ATF in FLETC. ATF sent out a long and “cover their a$$” letter explaining the selection of Glock handguns. Why would they choose to ignore the fact that SOD personnel carried them officially, while wearing Glock hats and rain gear, prior to the selection? No, they did not stop there, SOD went ahead and qualified the personnel assigned to the Director’s detail, who in turn carried Glock for a while, once again done before the selection of Glock . No there was NO pre-selection there. Ask SOD to explain the Glock hats and rain gear…… As far as equipment, rumor has it that SOD just purchased over 150 M4 uppers made by HK (10 inch barrels), for the SRT super warriors. This at a cost of over $1500.00 dollars an upper. Did I forget to mention that SRT already has over 150 Colt uppers in FTB, which were purchased years ago, to replace the worn out barrels. Did I mention that the cost of the 10 inch HK uppers cost more that an entire colt M4, and that buying an HK upper, nullifies the warranties from Colt. Next time you see an SRT operator with a new HK upper, simply ask them WHY????? Next time you have a case, and your RAC tells you there is no money for your investigation, make sure you thank SOD. $1500.00 per SRT Warrior, for cold weather gear, are you kidding me????? Is that how much a jacket and pants cost???? Multiply that times 150 Warriors. No there is no fiscal responsibility here…………… Why did we switch from UNITEC to ADS (GRS), well, could it be that some SOD member plays golf, on a routine basis with reps from ADS……. Was the uniform contract with UNITEC such a high priority in the Bureau…… to go through such a drastic change. I guess we have no other priorities…….. A little too much golfing maybe….. Speaking of pre-selection……….., the SAC of CIMB position was modified so that Durastanti could apply, and once again the SOD Deputy Chief announcement was modified for Durastanti again……, are we developing a pattern here. [/quote]

[bandit]

Fiscal responsibility and SOD, such a contradiction. They are so used to doing things illegally, that they have lost sight of the truth, and why they carry a badge. Traveling on the G, for personal reasons, ….. ask a meber of SOD who traveled from Shot Show in Las Vegas to FLETC to assist with the SRT K9 re-certifications. Oh,… did I mention that he never showed up, except to meet his girlfriend……, who just happened to be assigned to ATF in FLETC. ATF sent out a long and “cover their a$$” letter explaining the selection of Glock handguns. Why would they choose to ignore the fact that SOD personnel carried them officially, while wearing Glock hats and rain gear, prior to the selection? No, they did not stop there, SOD went ahead and qualified the personnel assigned to the Director’s detail, who in turn carried Glock for a while, once again done before the selection of Glock . No there was NO pre-selection there. Ask SOD to explain the Glock hats and rain gear…… As far as equipment, rumor has it that SOD just purchased over 150 M4 uppers made by HK (10 inch barrels), for the SRT super warriors. This at a cost of over $1500.00 dollars an upper. Did I forget to mention that SRT already has over 150 Colt uppers in FTB, which were purchased years ago, to replace the worn out barrels. Did I mention that the cost of the 10 inch HK uppers cost more that an entire colt M4, and that buying an HK upper, nullifies the warranties from Colt. Next time you see an SRT operator with a new HK upper, simply ask them WHY????? Next time you have a case, and your RAC tells you there is no money for your investigation, make sure you thank SOD. $1500.00 per SRT Warrior, for cold weather gear, are you kidding me????? Is that how much a jacket and pants cost???? Multiply that times 150 Warriors. No there is no fiscal responsibility here…………… Why did we switch from UNITEC to ADS (GRS), well, could it be that some SOD member plays golf, on a routine basis with reps from ADS……. Was the uniform contract with UNITEC such a high priority in the Bureau…… to go through such a drastic change. I guess we have no other priorities…….. A little too much golfing maybe….. Speaking of pre-selection……….., the SAC of CIMB position was modified so that Durastanti could apply, and once again the SOD Deputy Chief announcement was modified for Durastanti again……, are we developing a pattern here.

[Doc Holiday]

Is there ONE forward thinking boss left in this agency? Nevermind, that's a rhetorical question. The big news yesterday: Spanish Etrace. My jaw dropped. I immediately went into the record and sure enough Billy Hoover testified before Congress in Feb 08 inferring that we were drafting the MOU and were admittedly falling behind our "Merida" obligations. Then again in 09, Mr. Melson waved the Spanish Etrace flag when asking for more money suggesting it was operational in 9 states. And now in Oct 2010 it is again being championed. Problem is #1, we have been given about 30 million dollars since the original 10 million and after 3 yrs, a computer program is finally working. #2 the question is, would we have EVER followed through if HQ hadn't been outted by the OIG? My bet, is no. They have made NO significant moves to improve or enhance our border strategy, but have spent almost 50 million dollars. Do you know how many cases could have been made for 50 million dollars. This management by chaos must stop. We must do our job every day as if Congress IS watching.Is anyone going to be held accountable for our horrible performance as identified in the OIG report? Well Mr. Melson? Are just gonna yank the attache' and scapegoat him to make room for Newell? No questions for Billy, Chait, Mc Mahon? No demotions or transfers for such horrible administration of our #1 priority? Well Mr. Melson????????

[VINCENT A CEFALU]

If there were in fact threats made by a manager, and Vido and Albritton have covered it up and "failed to report", this matter need to be immediately and formally reported. The threat of violence and the SAC and ASACs attempt to cover it up HAS to be reported to the OIG via fax and hotline. OPSRO needs to be notified in writing AND Mr. Melson needs to be cc'd, because based on his public represetations, "He won't tolerate this sort of conduct". We'll see.

[Snake bite]

Valkyrie,

Since you mentioned Vido, I thought I would point out his most recent blunder. Sources tell me that one of the IOI bosses in Vido’s Field Division threatened to physically harm one of the ATF second class citizens, I mean non-supervisory ATF employees. I understand that the supervisor actually told his subordinate that he could dispose of him if he chose to do so.

Vido put on his superman cape, brought his trusty walking EEO complaint ASAC (Dondi Albritton) and collectively they swept the allegation under the rug. The supervisor was sent home for a couple days, with pay. After this paid vacation, the supervisor was returned to active duty to supervise the same employee the supervisor talked about physically harming.

I understand that Vido downplayed the incident in order to discourage IA from coming in to investigate these allegations. Vido is attempting to shield the problems within his field division from IA and Washington so he can continue to tell the DAD how great everything is under Vido’s watch.

Think about what would have happened if a subordinate threatened to dispose of an ATF elite, I mean ATF supervisor? Do you think Vido would have swooped in and protected the working stiff from IA? Not a chance! Do you think any safety measures would have been implemented to secure the supervisor at home and in the work place? Absolutely! Was the victim and his coworkers provided any type of security from this supervisor who was talking about eliminating a subordinate? Not only no, but heck no.

If the supervisor was the victim in this soap opera, Vido would have been foaming at the mouth to put another notch in his belt by running off another second class citizen. I would love to have an accurate accounting of how many quality ATF employees have transferred out of Vido’s reign of terror or completely given up and found another job because of Vido’s incompetence. I understand numerous agents fled San Francisco in order to get away from Vido repressive management. The numbers in the Louisville FD are adding up. I can think of eight or nine that I know who left the Louisville FD in order to get away from Vido and his morale killing, double talking, I’m the boss and I can walk on water management style. I feel certain there are more than eight or nine that have left the Louisville FD because of Vido, but conservatively, 10% of the division would be fairly accurate.

This allegation is another example, in a long list of double standards within ATF. It just so happens that the accused supervisor is a minority and the victim in this escapade is a non-minority. Once again Vido is afraid to do what is right. I guess Vido and Loos would prefer to hope nothing happens instead of stepping up to the plate and administer fair, equitable and just punishment to a member of the elites.

I hope everything turns out alright and everybody remains safe, despite Vido’s attempts to save his precious self serving career.

Snake Bite -out

[Patriot]

All these past moves and the ones that are about to happen would be acceptable if only someone would articulate how ATF benefits from them. If there was some measurable improvement, then there would be no reason to question the moves. The real irony here is that the working agents continue to do their jobs everyday and make this agency what it is in spite of a managment team who cares about nothing but themselves. Of course the real irony is that these guys have such an inflated sense of self importance they beleive that they are responsible for the successes of ATF. Anyone want to wager that Billy won't be the next SAC in Louisville.

[Valkyrie]

No taxpayer cares that Zapor wants to go back to Az. Why would they break up continiuty of leadership, pay TWO moves when they could pay only one. Moving Chait to Chicago or Phillie and Billy to another field division? Under our current process, ATF had decided to pay 3-5 moves at $180000 per move per opening to get their friend to the exact field division he wants. Make SAC Stay a minimum stay for any senior boss so that the field agents have the same coach for 2 consecutive seasons. And use the other money to transfer agents where you need them. Every position vacated by a SES has to be backed filled or promoted. This is way to much money for bosses who only stay for a year and retire. Yep, waste fraud and abuse. Now the word is Herkins wants back east. Theres another two moves. UP or out should be the rule.

Doc, it is no secret that Herkins wants to move back to Philly pretty bad and he is actively working that angle. It seems like a waste of money that we keep shuffling people in SAC jobs. Andy Anderson, Greg Gant, Paul Vido and Andy Traver come to mind and that doesn't even count Crenshaw, OBrien, Webb, Domenech, Barrera and others. At so much money per move, is this really smart for us and the public? Hey guys, if you didn't want that fancy SES job where you got it, why did you apply for it? If you want to move after a year or two, then pay back the G for the move, otherwise, we can use the money for other things.

[CAPTAIN JOHN MILLER]

Somebody explain The Andy Traver selection please.Everyone that has worked with him has the same opinion. A nice guy, as vanilla as they come and a marginal performer at every level of his career. The only plus being championed is "at least he's a gun toter". In other words, our first AGENT Director. Seriously? We have 2500 agents many of whom are quiet legends, to include reitred prior "gun toters". With all due respect he had ONLY 2 ASACs under his command, and one was driving a Government owned Cadillac and he DIDN'T notice? She abused her authority and misappropriated funds and is still an ASAC?
Word is he wants Steve Martin as his # 2?????? Although Steve was in fact a worker, the man forgot everything he ever learned at West Point (if he ever learned) about Mission and men. He has betrayed everyone he ever worked with. He faced serious ethical fallout from the Warlocks case. He decimated the Miami SRT so badly that it was dismantled. He destroyed SOD and virtually every senior agent in SFFD retired or left to another agency. His answer to anyone who doesn't lock step with him is to devastate their career. He is THE classic definition of a narcisist as identified in the DSM V. If the future of this great Bureau hinges on the Traver/Martin team, do not plan on retiring from the Bureau of ATF because there won't be one.

Doc-
I hope that’s a rhetorical question. Its Chicago! Just follow the money and favors that he has done for the friends of Obama and the former Senator himself. Check the donations and contributions lists that are required to be filed under state and federal election laws. Instead of ATF Director maybe they can make him Superintendant of the Chicago Police and take Martin with him.

[Doc Holiday]

Somebody explain The Andy Traver selection please.Everyone that has worked with him has the same opinion. A nice guy, as vanilla as they come and a marginal performer at every level of his career. The only plus being championed is "at least he's a gun toter". In other words, our first AGENT Director. Seriously? We have 2500 agents many of whom are quiet legends, to include reitred prior "gun toters". With all due respect he had ONLY 2 ASACs under his command, and one was driving a Government owned Cadillac and he DIDN'T notice? She abused her authority and misappropriated funds and is still an ASAC? Word is he wants Steve Martin as his # 2?????? Although Steve was in fact a worker, the man forgot everything he ever learned at West Point (if he ever learned) about Mission and men. He has betrayed everyone he ever worked with. He faced serious ethical fallout from the Warlocks case. He decimated the Miami SRT so badly that it was dismantled. He destroyed SOD and virtually every senior agent in SFFD retired or left to another agency. His answer to anyone who doesn't lock step with him is to devastate their career. He is THE classic definition of a narcisist as identified in the DSM V. If the future of this great Bureau hinges on the Traver/Martin team, do not plan on retiring from the Bureau of ATF because there won't be one.

[Patriot]

Up and out works in the military. It will work here. Succeed or step aside. Mr Melson said we should be run like a business. Time to start and show the taxpayer how efficient we are with their tax dollars.

[Doc Holiday]

No taxpayer cares that Zapor wants to go back to Az. Why would they break up continiuty of leadership, pay TWO moves when they could pay only one. Moving Chait to Chicago or Phillie and Billy to another field division? Under our current process, ATF had decided to pay 3-5 moves at $180000 per move per opening to get their friend to the exact field division he wants. Make SAC Stay a minimum stay for any senior boss so that the field agents have the same coach for 2 consecutive seasons. And use the other money to transfer agents where you need them. Every position vacated by a SES has to be backed filled or promoted. This is way to much money for bosses who only stay for a year and retire. Yep, waste fraud and abuse. Now the word is Herkins wants back east. Theres another two moves. UP or out should be the rule.

[Patriot]

I realize that my last post became a rant and I went beyond my original thought. My original point was to state that we are a small agency and that headquarters executives must realize that there are no secrets. Since there is a lack of official oversite, contributors to this web site shed light on decisions and actions that are suspect and should be explained. We are talking about public funds and the every expenditire should be justified and necessary.

[Patriot]

Waste, fraud and abuse are the cornerstone of IG investigations and the reporting of such acts are protected. As we continue to face serious funding issues, why do headquarters executives continue to abuse their positions and waste public funds? Doing so only exposes ATF to another IG investigation and public embarrassment. Two recent examples, which by the way, both involve SOD. SOD is fast becoming the most recent out of control branch. Could that be inexperience at the helm? Why is it necessary for the Branch Chief, now SAC to fly to a training location for the sole purpose of presenting a certificate to the attendees? Yes, it is a nice gesture, but is it wise to pay airfare, hotel and per diem for a 15 minute event that no one cares about? I know this has been done at a recent firearms instructor recertification school and at the just completed crisis negotiators school. How much is airfare from DC to California? How can anyone possibly justify that expense? When there is no oversight and the approving official is the person travelling, abuse is sure to occur. Is there an upside, well the traveler’s Hilton points and frequent flyer miles will grow, but not sure how that benefits ATF. Only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to that particular headquarters branch. It is interesting that after all the secrecy and intrigue surrounding the new firearms; we ended up with Glock, which is a fine product. Since the competitive Glock shooters in SOD had their input in the initial decision making and writing the specifications, it seems as though we took a long way around to validate their preference. A clue may have been that personnel from that branch have been carrying Glock for some time now. AD Chait’s message, clearly written by attorneys, was transparent in explaining the process and justifying the purchase. We once again will be forced to adapt to the flawed decision making of a few who are not in touch with the needs of the working agent. Everyone will be handed a very large firearm and a very small firearm. Seems as though someone ignored the fact that the bulk of our agents do not wear web gear or a uniform yet they will be saddled with a firearm that is made for that type of carry. Glock makes a compact firearm (Model 23) that is manufactured for plain clothes carry, yet that is not available to our agents. The same group decided polymer and adjustable grip is the universal answer to our agent needs. Now the backup firearm chosen is too small for the average person to effectively hold, yet it will be adequate as a back up only. Since it will not be authorized as a primary firearm, we have not solved the problem of small handed shooters. Even with the ability to change grip size, small handed shooters will have great difficulty with the large frame Glock. Thanks SOD, your biased influence will have long lasting repercussions, but the competitive Glock shooters and the SRT will be content and we know that is all that matters. So the question is: Waste, fraud or abuse, maybe. More likely flawed decision making, lack of accountability and failure to listen to the field.

[avatar]

There are a lot of allegations about mismanagement and the inappropriate use of Government funds, which are probably impossible to resolve without a formal audit or investigation by qualified outside entities. I would suggest that folks who have such concerns become familiar with Government Auditing Standards (2007 edition), and frame their concerns in terms of things like "abuse." "Fraud, waste and abuse" are among the things that the Congressional Committees on Appropriation (House and Senate) do take seriously, if instances of it are well documented. For example, consider the following: 4.12 Abuse involves behavior that is deficient or improper when compared with behavior that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary business practice given the facts and circumstances. Abuse also includes misuse of authority or position for personal financial interests or those of an immediate or close family member or business associate. Abuse does not necessarily involve fraud, violation of laws, regulations, or provisions of a contract or grant agreement. I am not an attorney nor qualified to pass any sort of judgment here, but in reading some of the allegations that have been posted have come to think this information is worth passing on. The source of 4.12 is GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS (2007), and there is a copy on the Internet at http://www.gao.gov/n...ms/d07731g.pdf. There's no point in attaching this file and using up bandwidth, because it is perpetually available. For the folks reading CleanUpATF who are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and others who are involved in audits and investigations, these materials are familiar reading, and I'm a little surprised nobody has referred to them. I would like to respectfully suggest that some of the folks who have expressed concerns about some people at ATF who have been comitting "waste" as defined, consider framing their concerns in the language and context that an Appropriations committee staff would recognize. This isn't something ordinary folks ordinarily do, but it seems like CleanUpATF is a site in which ordinary folks are expressing concerns, and GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS is a tool that can be used to further kick the can down the road in constructive ways that people can and will take seriously.

[limestonenerd]

IF YOU ARE WILLING PLEASE CONTACT ME USING THE CLEANUPATF MESSAGE SYSTEM.

I AM LOOKING FOR EXAMPLES OF ATF OPSRO/INTERNAL AFFAIRS SWEEPING CRIMINAL ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ATF MANAGERS UNDER THE RUG. SPECIFICALLY I NEED EXAMPLES FROM THE LAST 5 YEARS TAKING PLACE UNDER THE AD DIRECTION OF RICHARD CHASE, KELVIN CRENSHAW, MELANIE STINNETT OR ANY OF THE ACTING AD'S DURING THAT TIME.

THANKS FOR THE QUICK REPLIES. KEEP THEM COMING PLEASE.

[limestonenerd]

IF YOU ARE WILLING PLEASE CONTACT ME USING THE CLEANUPATF MESSAGE SYSTEM. I AM LOOKING FOR EXAMPLES OF ATF OPSRO/INTERNAL AFFAIRS SWEEPING CRIMINAL ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ATF MANAGERS UNDER THE RUG. SPECIFICALLY I NEED EXAMPLES FROM THE LAST 5 YEARS TAKING PLACE UNDER THE AD DIRECTION OF RICHARD CHASE, KELVIN CRENSHAW, MELANIE STINNETT OR ANY OF THE ACTING AD'S DURING THAT TIME.

[Doc Holiday]

Dateline - Oakland,CA. Inept,vindictive,and obstructionist supervisor has so alienated local authorities that they have Officially confronted his conduct,both to the SFFD and also to the HQ level. An already dysfunctional group where the senior agent had to be removed from the FIC position for false documentation and inappropriate handling of the firearms program, has diminished the hope of ANY proactive investigations. The SAD part is that the SAC and ASACs are fully aware of this and as in previous challenges, lack the decisiveness to remove him. Oakland is the least productive group in SFFD and make no mistake, we at HQ are watching the situation in the SFFD.

[Hiram A]

First Hello. New to the forum. Have many friends in ATF and strong desire to come on myself. Currently GL11 with USSS. Been trying for a long long while for ATF. Disturbing what I read here. My name was recently submitted to the "targeted recruitment" in two different divisions, Nashville and Atlanta. Didn't go anywhere because "I do not currently reside in either district". Total BS. i didn't get it because I am not a minority! I had nearly 10 years experience with a state investigative agency in Georgia where I had extensive experience in dope and violent crimes prior to USSS.
I will not be posting much of anything on here as i'm not on the inside, and can't contribute as such, but I will keep lurking and reading. Thanks to ya'll on here trying to make the agency a better place.

This was not minority recruiting, as so many of us thought. I was under the same impression. This was targeted recruiting as has already been stated here. There is a difference.

This was a list of names recommended by each district as you call them.

[Doc Holiday]

Can anyone decode Chait and company' NEW strategy for the SW border? I read it all and totally MISSED the Strategy". I have spoken to bosses across the country and dozens of agents who didn't have a clue what that memo meant. If you are going to write about a strategy, you should have one. Setting up 7 new groups when we have NO staffing model,don't know how we are going to pay for it, and have no identified mission seems to be a bit ill advised. Our groups are already under staffed and surely you are not going to staff high priority groups with new hires???? No one who's fingerprints are on this new project,program or initiative (or whatever they are calling it) will even be at ATF to be held accountable after it has been instituted. Guess that why they are just throwing it together. PS coding every case we make as a SW border case doesn't fool anyone, especially Congress.