What Is An Intercheck

Waren Burn

less than a minute read

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28-11-2024

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An intercheck, in the context of firearms transactions, refers to a system used by licensed firearms dealers to conduct instant background checks on prospective buyers. It's a crucial part of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) process. Unlike a direct NICS check performed by a dealer through the FBI, an intercheck leverages a state-level point of contact to process the background check request. This often results in faster processing times, particularly in states with robust and efficient interoperability systems.

How Does an Intercheck Work?

The process begins when a licensed dealer initiates a firearm purchase. Instead of directly contacting the FBI's NICS system, they use their state's designated point of contact. This intermediary, usually a state police agency or similar entity, then acts as a conduit, relaying the buyer's information to the NICS database. The state agency receives a response—either a "proceed," "delay," or "deny"—and communicates this back to the dealer.

This system offers several advantages:

• Speedier Transactions: In many instances, interchecks provide faster results than direct NICS checks, streamlining the purchase process for both dealers and buyers.
• Reduced Burden on the FBI: By utilizing state-level processing, interchecks alleviate some of the strain on the national NICS system.
• State-Specific Regulations: Interchecks may also allow for better integration with state-specific laws and regulations regarding firearms purchases.

Differences Between Interchecks and Direct NICS Checks

While both methods ultimately check against the same NICS database, the key difference lies in the intermediary. A direct NICS check involves a direct communication between the dealer and the FBI. An intercheck uses a state agency as a middleman. This difference in approach can impact processing times, particularly during periods of high volume or system issues.

Limitations and Considerations

While interchecks can be faster, it's crucial to note that the speed and efficiency can vary significantly from state to state. The effectiveness also hinges on the robustness of the individual state's system and its integration with the national NICS database. Furthermore, the ultimate determination of whether a sale can proceed still rests on the information contained within the NICS database itself.