2008 Firearms Annual Report - PA State Police

[LakeCity]

You can download the 2008 report PDF at
http://tinyurl.com/l53z46


Sorry this is such a long post. Your comments appreciated.


According to the executive summary (see below), a total of 463,976 firearms were reported purchased or privately transferred in Pennsylvania for 2008. Licensed firearm dealers reported 208,436 handgun transactions and 255,540 long gun transactions for the year.

In 2008, 10,823 background checks were initially denied through prohibitions indicated on the individual’s record. The PA State Police received 4,302 challenges to these denials. After further review of information provided by the individual or through official court documentation, 1,623 challenges were reversed.

There were 112 fugitives identified and apprehended as a result of instantaneous background checks in 2008.


Pennsylvania State Police
2008 Firearms Annual Report

Executive Summary
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) conducts the instantaneous records check known as the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) promulgated by the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act (PUFA). PICS utilizes an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) component designed to handle 1.2 million calls a year and, when applicable, issues approvals without operator intervention.

Since July 1, 1998, Pennsylvania has served as a Point-of-Contact State for the National Instant Check System (NICS), operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The PSP is required to comply with both state and federal laws in determining an individual's eligibility to acquire, transfer and/or carry firearms.

The PSP coordinates investigative efforts and networks information with the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to obtain firearms illegally. In 2008, 504 files were referred to PSP Troops, ATF and local police departments for investigation. Investigation referrals, including those initiated in previous years, resulted in 96 arrests, 69 reported
convictions and 41 cases which were declined prosecution in 2008.

In 2008, PICS handled 619,297 transactions for sheriffs and licensed firearm dealers throughout the Commonwealth. Of these requests, 61 percent were approved within minutes by the system, while an additional 33 percent were approved during the initial call with operator assistance. Calls transferred for operator assistance generally include checks for out-of-state residents, database hits or time outs, alien requests and calls made from a rotary phone. In addition, 7,004 files that were placed in a research status were subsequently approved.

Therefore, the overall approval rate of background checks that were initiated in 2008 is 95 percent.

In 2008, 10,823 background checks were initially denied through prohibitions indicated on the individual’s record. The PSP received 4,302 challenges to these denials. After further review of information provided by the individual or through official court documentation, 1,623 challenges were reversed.

A total of 463,976 firearms were reported purchased or privately transferred in Pennsylvania for 2008. Licensed firearm dealers reported 208,436 handgun transactions and 255,540 long gun transactions for the year.

The Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Report for 2008 reported 13,814 violent crimes committed involving the use of a firearm.

There were 112 fugitives identified and apprehended as a result of instantaneous background checks in 2008. Law enforcement authorities are notified immediately when a fugitive is identified through a PICS check as attempting to purchase a firearm or obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.

This report provides statistics and information on the activities of the PSP Firearms Division for calendar year 2008, in compliance with 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6111.1(i) of the PUFA.

[Fizzle1985]

That url takes you to the 1998 report FYI.

[ALS]

2 of those firearms were me One pistol and one rifle.

[tlgpa]

Here's the 2008 Firearms Annual Report

And other reports Here

[AKross]

925 LTCF / 35,112 People in Elk = 3% (rounded up). I would have figured it would have been a little higher than that.

[knight0334]

925 LTCF / 35,112 People in Elk = 3% (rounded up). I would have figured it would have been a little higher than that.

Remember though, that is just one year's issuance. There are 2004-2007 issued licenses to add to that for the total that are active.

[AKross]

Remember though, that is just one year's issuance. There are 2004-2007 issued licenses to add to that for the total that are active.

Oh, I thought that was the total. Much better then, I know 3 first time LTCF people this year alone, 2009 is going to be even higher I am guessing.

[tl_3237]

5 year culumative LTCF

[MostlyHarmless]

112 fugitives arrested? So 112 fugitives went to a gun dealer, have him call the State Police to tell them they are there, and then patiently waited until the police arrived?

I heard before that criminals don't tend to be the smartest among us. But this is really beyond stupid. Is it possible these people didn't know that they are Wanted?


Jan