HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has released staggering new figures detailing firearms purchase denials and related investigations for the final quarter of 2024. The Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) served as a critical gatekeeper once again, enforcing firearm safety laws and exposing those attempting to game the system.
Key statistics reveal that 299,229 PICS checks were conducted in Q4 of 2024, resulting in 3,746 denials—relatively unchanged from the same period in 2023. However, when it came to investigations, sharp declines were evident. Just 1,181 denials were referred for further action compared to 2,490 referrals in Q4 2023. Of these, 503 cases landed with the PSP, 657 went to local law enforcement agencies, and 21 were forwarded to the ATF.
One area where the heat turned up? Warrants revealed at the point of purchase. Arrests rose from 23 in Q4 2023 to 32 this past quarter, signaling enhanced vigilance.
According to Pennsylvania law, lying on a state or federal firearms form constitutes a third-degree felony, and the numbers prove there are still individuals willing to take that risk. The PICS program, operated by county sheriffs, municipal police, and firearms dealers, ensures these attempts don’t go unchecked—sending cases straight to law enforcement for investigation and possible prosecution.
Firearm safety remains a priority, and the PSP Firearms Division’s mission to uphold the law and prevent fraud is on full display in these quarterly numbers. While referrals dropped, the steady number of denials reminds us that stringent checks continue to block unauthorized access to firearms. For those thinking of circumventing the rules, these numbers serve as a warning that the PSP is watching.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.