HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania State Police have announced the number of firearms purchase denials, subsequent investigations and arrests as a result of such investigations for the first quarter of 2016.
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) is used by county sheriffs, chiefs of police of cities of the first class and licensed firearms dealers 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 attempts to provide false information on a state or federal form, an investigation is initiated and an investigation referral is sent to the corresponding law enforcement agency,” said Major Scott Price, director of the Bureau of Records and Identification.
“According to Pennsylvania law, 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 the seller, licensed dealer or licensed manufacturer. During the PICS process, some individuals are identified as having an active warrant for their arrest as well,” said Price.
During the first quarter, 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.
| TOTAL NUMBER OF PICS CHECKS CONDUCTED | 311,344 |
| NUMBER OF PERSONS DENIED | 3,752 |
| TOTAL NUMBER OF DENIALS REFERRED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES | 1,673 |
| REFERRED TO PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE | 1,293 |
| REFERRED TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT | 379 |
| REFERRED TO ATF | 1 |
| PROSECUTIONS INITIATED ON PRIOR REFERRALS | 203 |
| NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED FOR A WARRANT AT POINT OF PURCHASE | 39 |