Harrisburg, PA – ThePennsylvania State Police announced the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) conducted 321,664 background checks during the fourth quarter, which was the second highest quarter of the year. In addition, the state police released the number of firearms purchase denials, subsequent investigations, and arrests that resulted from investigations for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Established in July 1998, 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.

Throughout 2022, the state police firearms administrative section processed 916,709 total (521,737 handguns; 364,236 long guns; and 30,736 frames and receivers) firearmspurchases and/or transfers facilitated by Federal Firearms Licensed dealers.

Statistics for the fourth quarter of 2021 are included for comparison.

Fourth Quarter PICS Statistics	2021	2022
Total number of PICS checks conducted	337,911	321,664
Number of persons denied	5,330	4,246
Total number of denials referred to law enforcement agencies	1,380	1,946
Referred to Pennsylvania State Police	329	432
Referred to Local Law Enforcement	1,015	1,356
Referred to ATF	36	158
Number of individuals arrested for a warrant at point of purchase	13	34

 
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 if they willfully present false identification that is likely to deceive a firearm seller, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer. 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 addition, during the background check process, individuals may be identified as having an active warrant for their arrest.

Since its inception, PICS is responsible for facilitating the apprehension of 3,109 fugitives, 91 occurring in 2022.

Additional Information
 
First Quarter 2022 PICS Statistics
Second Quarter 2022 PICS Statistics
Third Quarter 2022 PICS Statistics
Pennsylvania Instant Check System Annual Reports

For more information on PICS and carrying firearms in Pennsylvania, visit psp.pa.gov.