The Pennsylvania State Police announced Wednesday the number of firearms purchase denials and subsequent investigations for the second quarter of 2023. The Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) is used by county sheriffs, chiefs of police of first-class cities and licensed firearms dealers to determine an individual’s legal ability to buy a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer.

When someone provides false information on a state or federal form, an investigation is initiated and an investigation referral is sent to a law enforcement agency.

According to Pennsylvania law, it is a third-degree felony if someone makes 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.

• Pennsylvania Instant Check System checks conducted - 268,445 (295,003 in 2022 for same period).

• Persons denied a purchase - 3,919 (4,973 in 2022).

• Denials referred to law enforcement agencies - 2,017 (1,592 in 2022).

• Denials referred to state police - 464 (399 in 2022).

• Denials referred to municipal law enforcement - 1,398 (1,114 in 2022).

• Denials referred to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - 155 (79 in 2022).

Individuals arrested for a warrant at point of purchase - 29 (16 in 2022).