In the first quarter of the year, state police denied 3,776 people the purchase of firearms, which is over 1,000 more than had been denied last year at this time, according to a news release.

A total 287,645 background checks were conducted statewide this quarter through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System, or PICS, which is used by law enforcement organizations such as sheriff’s offices and licensed arms dealers to determine a person’s eligibility to carry a firearm.

Of those requests, police said 2,456 denials were referred to law enforcement agencies for investigation, and 22 people were arrested at the point of purchase.

Last year, police said 327,272 PICS checks were conducted and 4,645 persons were denied. Of those denials, 2,121 were investigated by law enforcement and 25 individuals were arrested at the point of sale.

Police said when an individual provides false information on a state or federal form, an investigation ensues. If a person makes false statements during the PICS process, they are charged with a felony.