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.