HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the number of firearms purchase denials and investigations for the first quarter of 2024.

The Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) is used by county sheriffs, chiefs of police, and licensed firearms dealers to determine whether a person may legally acquire a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer. Under Pennsylvania law, it is a third-degree felony to make false statements on a federal or state agency form or to willfully present false identification likely to deceive the seller, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer. During the PICS process, some people are found to have an active warrant for their arrest.

Of the 327,272 PICS checks conducted during the same quarter last year, 4,645 people were denied a license This year, 287,645 checks were conducted during the first quarter and 3,776 licenses were denied.

Last year during the same quarter, 25 people were arrested for a warrant at the point of purchase. This year, 22 were arrested.

The investigations were initiated by the PSP Firearms Division and referred to PSP troops, municipal police departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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