The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the number of firearms purchase denials and subsequent investigations for the fourth quarter of 2025 on Tuesday.PICSThe Pennsylvania Instant Check System (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.According to Pennsylvania law, a person commits a felony of the third degree if they make a false oral or written statement on any state or federally mandated form or willfully present false identification that is likely to deceive the seller, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer.During the PICS process, some individuals are also identified as having an active warrant for their arrest, and law enforcement is contacted by PICS, often resulting in the individual being apprehended at the point of purchase.Agencies involved with investigationsFor the fourth quarter of 2025, the following investigations were initiated by the PSP Firearms Division and referred to PSP troops, municipal police departments or the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced the number of firearms purchase denials and subsequent investigations for the fourth quarter of 2025 on Tuesday.
PICS
The Pennsylvania Instant Check System (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.
According to Pennsylvania law, a person commits a felony of the third degree if they make a false oral or written statement on any state or federally mandated form or willfully present false identification that is likely to deceive the seller, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer.
During the PICS process, some individuals are also identified as having an active warrant for their arrest, and law enforcement is contacted by PICS, often resulting in the individual being apprehended at the point of purchase.
Agencies involved with investigations
For the fourth quarter of 2025, the following investigations were initiated by the PSP Firearms Division and referred to PSP troops, municipal police departments or the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) for further investigation and possible prosecution.