I'm sure this has come up from time to time, but in the hopes of helping others that live in restrictive states, perhaps my situation, and the advice offered in this thread, might serve as a good FAQ for others that come after me.
Many of you here at TFL are aware I applied on October 4th of last year (2001, over three months ago) in my home town of Lakewood, NJ for the first time ever, to get an FID (Firearms Identification) card*, and three handgun permits. I was told by the clerk that the process would take 12 to 13 weeks, despite a state mandated requirement that we be approved or denied within 30 days.
Three weeks ago, on 12/28 I visited the records bureau at my local town hall to check on the progress. I was told that everything came back alright, that they were 'just waiting for paperwork', and that it would only be a couple more weeks. I know that my references have checked out alright, I know that my criminal and mental health background is clean, and the fingerprints and photos were taken the day I submitted the application.
Other gun owners I have talked to that live in adjoining towns, or in the same general area, and also applied for the first time, but did so AFTER me, have received their ID cards already. It is now creeping up on fifteen (15) weeks, almost four months, since I first applied. I understand the 30 days. I even understand that 30 can turn to 60 because of 9/11. But when we top 120 and push to 160 days, I have a problem. Something is seriously wrong.
Since I was told everything came back OK, and that others who applied after me, have gotten their cards, my conclusion is that the holdup isn't at the State or Federal level.
My question: What can I do to press for my 2nd amendment rights, and get what is justly due to me, preferably in a way that does not antagonize the local bureaucrats or law enforcement officials?
It is frightening that citizens in NJ are held hostage by a system that seems to not be accountable to anyone! Who do I complain to? Who can force them to release the paperwork? How do I get this taken care of?
* (In the state of NJ, one requires an FID to lawfully purchase a long gun, and it also allows you apply for handgun purchase permits, which are required to legally buy a handgun in this state. That process entails a $49 background check fee that consists of two personal character references, a mental health and criminal background check, fingerprinting, and ID photographs. Those who legally purchase any kind of firearm outside the state of NJ are permitted to bring them in, and can own and use them, and are not required to have an FID, nor do they have to register the guns. This requirement is a burden that is placed upon NJ residents to be able to legally purchase within our state)
Many of you here at TFL are aware I applied on October 4th of last year (2001, over three months ago) in my home town of Lakewood, NJ for the first time ever, to get an FID (Firearms Identification) card*, and three handgun permits. I was told by the clerk that the process would take 12 to 13 weeks, despite a state mandated requirement that we be approved or denied within 30 days.
Three weeks ago, on 12/28 I visited the records bureau at my local town hall to check on the progress. I was told that everything came back alright, that they were 'just waiting for paperwork', and that it would only be a couple more weeks. I know that my references have checked out alright, I know that my criminal and mental health background is clean, and the fingerprints and photos were taken the day I submitted the application.
Other gun owners I have talked to that live in adjoining towns, or in the same general area, and also applied for the first time, but did so AFTER me, have received their ID cards already. It is now creeping up on fifteen (15) weeks, almost four months, since I first applied. I understand the 30 days. I even understand that 30 can turn to 60 because of 9/11. But when we top 120 and push to 160 days, I have a problem. Something is seriously wrong.
Since I was told everything came back OK, and that others who applied after me, have gotten their cards, my conclusion is that the holdup isn't at the State or Federal level.
My question: What can I do to press for my 2nd amendment rights, and get what is justly due to me, preferably in a way that does not antagonize the local bureaucrats or law enforcement officials?
It is frightening that citizens in NJ are held hostage by a system that seems to not be accountable to anyone! Who do I complain to? Who can force them to release the paperwork? How do I get this taken care of?
* (In the state of NJ, one requires an FID to lawfully purchase a long gun, and it also allows you apply for handgun purchase permits, which are required to legally buy a handgun in this state. That process entails a $49 background check fee that consists of two personal character references, a mental health and criminal background check, fingerprinting, and ID photographs. Those who legally purchase any kind of firearm outside the state of NJ are permitted to bring them in, and can own and use them, and are not required to have an FID, nor do they have to register the guns. This requirement is a burden that is placed upon NJ residents to be able to legally purchase within our state)
My city clerk almost had a siezure when I asked for 4 pistol permits!(FOUR PISTOL PERMITS! WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH FOUR PISTOL PERMITS! I want to buy 4 pistols, mam.) Honestly, I told you at the shoot you were looking a 6 months at a minimum. The best you can do is to see the Chief and tell him whats up. If he doesn't put out good vibes then I would contact my lawyer and see if a letter could be sent to him to show that your dead serious. Some law inforcement agencies love to play God and decide who gets what. Get the lawyer to rip a piece of their you know what off. Maybe even have a meeting with the Mayor. How about your Assemblyman? What ever happens, keep your cool. Wait till they tell you that the finger prints were smudged and you have to re-apply again!