PUBLICATION ADVISORY

BJS Releases Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2019–2020

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, today released Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2019–2020, the 18th report in a series produced by BJS. It presents data on the number and percentage of applications for background checks for firearm transfers and permits received by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state and local checking agencies in 2019 and 2020. It also includes data on the number of applications that were denied and the reason for denial. It describes the types of permits or checks used by each state, the number of denials issued by these agencies and the reasons for denial.

“Notably, there was an almost 50% increase in the number of applications for firearm transfers and permits received by the FBI and state and local checking agencies, from about 16.7 million applications in 2019 to 25.0 million in 2020,” said Kevin M. Scott, PhD, acting director of BJS.

About the Bureau of Justice Statistics

The Bureau of Justice Statistics of the U.S. Department of Justice is the principal federal agency responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating reliable statistics on crime and criminal justice in the United States. Kevin M. Scott, PhD, is the acting director. More information about BJS and criminal justice statistics can be found at bjs.ojp.gov.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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OFFICE: bjs.ojp.gov
CONTACT: OJP Media at media@ojp.usdoj.gov