Pennsylvania PICS system update

[HiredGoon]

Haven't seen this posted yet.

Update:

In the coming days, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System will be replacing its 14 year old interactive voice response (IVR) system. The new IVR is equipped with 25% more incoming lines to accommodate a higher volume of background check requests.

Other than changes to the music and the automated voice, the transition to the new IVR is expected to be seamless to Pennsylvania sheriffs and firearm dealers when they call PICS to request a background check.

The PSP Firearms Division would ask that all gun shows, auctions, raffles and sales be reported to the PICS Unit, preferably at least 30 days in advance of the event. This advance notice allows us to plan for additional staffing as needed, in order to serve you with the utmost efficiency.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 717-705-8843.

[Noah_Zark]

Haven't seen this posted yet.

Based on PICS calls I've made for a gunshop owner friend when he's set up at gun shows, the new system is already in place. The new system has a different female voice, and in the new system the female voice reads back the last four digits of the SS number instead of a male voice butting in saying "The last four digits of the SS number are . . . "

The new system is much faster, and you can skip over certain areas of the interactive exchange that you could not before. When PICS approvals are made automatically, with the new system we often get the approval number about 20 or 30 seconds after being told "You have been charged $2.00 for this request. Please stay on the line while the background check to purchase or transfer a gun is completed." With the older system, you could wait up to 3 or more minutes for auto approval.

JMO and experience since mid August,

Noah