The Pennsylvania State Police announced the number of firearms purchase denials, subsequent investigations and arrests resulting from such investigations for the second quarter of 2020.

The Pennsylvania Instant Check System 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 second quarter of 2020, the following investigations were initiated by the 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. Statistics for the second quarter of 2019 are included for comparison.

Second Quarter PICS Statistics

Total number of PICS checks conducted were 217,444 in 2019 and 314,319 in 2020

Total number of persons denied were 3,085 in 2019 and 5,801 in 2020

Total number of denials referred to law enforcement agencies were 1,197 in 2019 and 1,238 in 2020

Denials referred to Pennsylvania State Police were 318 in 2019 and 342 in 2020

Denials referred to Local Law Enforcement were 851 in 2019 and 878 in 2020

Denials referred to ATF were 28 in 2019 and 18 in 2020

Number of individuals arrested for a warrant at point of purchase were 42 in 2019 and 83 in 2020.