Law Enforcement Executive Leader
Bernard J. Zapor “BJ” is a 30-year law enforcement executive – 25 years with U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He is currently a corporate security executive and a Faculty Associate with the Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Relative to today’s law enforcement challenges protecting the safety of our nation, Mr. Zapor is a subject matter expert with front line and leadership experience in the areas active shooter, workplace violence, terrorism, bombings, gangs, crime syndicates, national firearms issues, the 2nd amendment, firearms violence, firearms laws, intelligence gathering, compliance, fraud, and corporate security.
Mr. Zapor is a transformative servant leader. During his tenure with the ATF, he created and executed numerous programs and initiatives that reduced firearm-related homicides and violent firearm crime. He also introduced a new focus on intelligence gathering that significantly increased criminal case referrals and convictions. Mr. Zapor has also led investigative responses for national active shooter events.
Mr. Zapor is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. He is well respected not only by his peers but across local and federal law enforcement agencies. He served as media spokesperson representing the ATF and currently represents Arizona State University to the media as an expert on active shooter and workplace violence.
Mr. Zapor provides leadership regarding active shooter, bombings, and workplace violence events and other issues such as violent crimes, weapons proliferation, and terrorism with appearances on Fox News, CNN, CSPAN, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, CBS, The Discovery Channel, and more.
Mr. Zapor retired as the Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division after serving as the Deputy Assistant Director, Washington, D.C.; Special Agent in Charge, Minneapolis, MN; Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Los Angeles, CA; Resident Agent in Charge, Las Vegas, NV; Program Manager, ATF Headquarters in Washington D.C. He also served as the acting ATF Representative to the U.S. Treasury Department and was later detailed to the Office of the Director.
Mr. Zapor was commissioned as a Special Agent with the ATF in 1989 and stationed in Phoenix, Arizona investigating violent crimes and violations of the Federal firearms, explosives, narcotics, and arson laws. During his tenure, he performed many undercover roles, including murder-for-hire, international weapons’ trafficking, and the covert penetration of outlaw motorcycle syndicates, racist and extremist groups. While in Phoenix, he was a Special Response Team Member, Tactical Medic, and Public Information Office.