More Firearm Purchase Denials Referred to Law Enforcement
Newly released data from Pennsylvania State Police shows more firearm purchase denials during the third quarter of 2022 were referred to law enforcement than the same time period last year.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, background checks through Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) totaled 285,980.
Here's a look at the numbers:
Third Quarter PICS Statistics | 2021 | 2022 |
Total number of PICS checks conducted | 303,156 | 285,980 |
Persons denied | 5,545 | 4,437 |
Total denials referred to law enforcement agencies | 1,465 | 1,529 |
Referred to Pennsylvania State Police | 356 | 363 |
Referred to local law enforcement | 1,066 | 1,030 |
Referred to ATF | 43 | 136 |
Arrests for a warrant at point of purchase | 34 | 27 |
Licensed firearms dealers use the system to determine whether someone can legally obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer. County sheriffs and Philadelphia police use PICS to determine whether someone can legally acquire a license to carry.
In Pennsylvania, a person commits a third-degree felony if they provide false statements on any state or federal form or present false identification which would deceive a firearm seller, licensed dealer or licensed manufacturer.
Someone who provides false information during a background check initiates a State Police investigation and referral to the applicable law enforcement agency.
During the process, some people are found to have an active warrant for their arrest.