When did PICS begin?

**wheelman53** · July 30th, 2010, 02:13 PM

What year did PA begin the background check for firearms?

**knight0334** · July 30th, 2010, 02:38 PM

On or before, Dec 1, 1998 for PICS.

They did a manual background check well before that which was processed during and after your mandatory waiting period.

**Gun Bowanna** · July 30th, 2010, 07:19 PM

I think it was more like July 1, 1998.

**wheelman53** · July 30th, 2010, 11:58 PM

Thanks for the info.

**Curmudgeon** · July 31st, 2010, 12:02 AM

.

About PICS (Pennsylvania Instant Check System)

The PICS was implemented on July 1, 1998. This state of the art system provides instant access to background records on an individual to determine if the person is eligible to acquire a firearm or a license to carry a firearm. The Instant Check Unit is a call center conducting the background check requests. This responsibility requires ensuring accurate identification of the subject of the background check, evaluation and research of federal, state and local records, comprehensive documentation, and maintaining positive communication with Firearm Dealers and Sheriffs.

Pennsylvania Firearm Dealers and County Sheriffs access the PICS program through a toll free telephone number, which is available for service from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week, including holidays. If an individual is eligible to acquire a firearm, the PICS background check replaces the former, mandatory five-day waiting period. Operation has shown that approximately 60% of the individuals attempting to purchase a firearm are approved within minutes.

The PICS background check program issues approval or denial determinations. By law, no record information may be disseminated as a result of the background check. If a record is identified on an individual's background check, the call is transferred to an operator. The operator then reviews the record, and if it is not prohibiting, approves the sale. If there is a question as to whether or not the record is prohibiting, the operator may place the file in research for up to 15 days. As soon as the operator has a definite answer, the dealer is called and either given an approval number or advised that the sale is denied and the individual should be given a Pennsylvania Instant Check Challenge Form.

From here... http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...&css=L2&mode=2

**knight0334** · July 31st, 2010, 12:05 AM

"firearms" was July 1, 1998. Long guns was then required "on or before Dec 1, 1998."

It was a few months after firearms went to PICS that you could still buy a long gun without a PICS check.