Coloradans Submit 'Historic' Number Of Firearms Background Checks

LAKEWOOD, CO — Coloradans have submitted a "historic" number of requests for background checks for firearms transfers, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said. Over the past week, the bureau's InstaCheck Unit received 25,468 requests — a 227 percent increase over the same time frame last year, officials said.

The surge is causing extended wait times. As of Monday, the queue was 12,442, with an average turnaround time of approximately four days.

When the background check turnaround times exceed the federal regulation of three business days, it becomes the discretion of Federal Firearms Licensees to release firearms; however, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation "strongly encourages firearms dealers to hold firearms until background checks are completed," officials said.

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"The CBI has implemented changes to address this unprecedented volume of background checks, from expanding internal InstaCheck hours to cross-training specialized staff members to assist in the process; however, these efforts must be balanced with protecting the health and safety of employees and reducing the potential for community spread related to COVID-19," the bureau said in a statement.

"The CBI is committed to performing background checks as quickly and efficiently as possible, as evidenced by InstaCheck’s average turnaround of less than eight minutes prior to COVID-19. That being said, the circumstances impacting communities across the state and the nation have posed significant challenges. The CBI continues to implement adjustments to address the demand, and appreciates the patience of FFL’s and their customers."

Spikes and delays in background checks for firearms transfers are being reported nationwide.

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