State Police Announce Quarterly Firearm Purchase Denial Investigations

| October 7, 2018

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Police announced the number of firearm purchase denials, subsequent investigations, and arrests resulting from such investigations for the third quarter of 2018.

The Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) is used by county sheriffs, chiefs of police of cities of the first class, and licensed firearms dealers in Pennsylvania to determine an individual’s legal ability to acquire a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer.

When an individual provides false information on a state and/or federal form, an investigation is initiated, and an investigation referral is sent to the corresponding law enforcement agency.

In Pennsylvania, a person commits a felony of the third degree if they make a false oral or written statement on any federal or state agency form or willfully presents false identification that is likely to deceive a firearm seller, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer. During the PICS process, individuals may also be identified as having an active warrant for their arrest.

During the third quarter of 2018, the following investigations were initiated by the Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division and referred to troops, municipal police departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for further investigation and possible prosecution. Comparison with the second quarter of 2017 is included.

Third Quarter PICS Statistics
2018
2017
Total number of PICS checks conducted0
210,697
227,734
     Number of persons denied
2,374
2,567
Total number of denials referred to law enforcement agencies
1,417
1,044
     Referred to Pennsylvania State Police
528
371
     Referred to Local Law Enforcement
848
672
     Referred to ATF
41
1
Number of individuals arrested for a warrant at point of purchase
30
40

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