The Pennsylvania Instant Check System conducted 321,664 background checks during the fourth quarter of 2022, which was the second highest quarter of the year, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

In addition, the state police released the number of firearms purchase denials, subsequent investigations, and arrests that resulted from investigations for the fourth quarter.

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.

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

Statistics for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to the same period of 2021, are as follows:

Total number of PICS checks conducted, 321,664 this year and 337,911 in 2021; number of people denied, 4,246 this year and 5,330 in 2021; total number of denials referred to law enforcement agencies, 1,946 this year and 1,380 in 2021; referred to state police, 432 this year and 329 in 2021; referred to local law enforcement, 1,356 this year and 1,015 in 2021; referred to ATF, 158 this year and 36 in 2021; and number of individuals arrested for a warrant at point of purchase, 34 this year and 13 in 2021.

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.