DPS - quick responses, little results

[mr.72]

With my last round of emails to DPS I asked more direct and objective questions such as 'if it is awaiting background checks, how long do these typically take?' and 'is it the county or Federal background checks causing the delay' etc. This tactic prompted the usual "Christopher Pierce" form letter that the rest of us are getting, but also I got a more detailed response from a supervisor by the name of Phil Hurd. Through a series of follow up inquiries, it turns out that Mr. Hurd is responsive to my emails, normally answering them within an hour or so and certainly by the end of the day in which I write.

I don't know of contacting my state rep did any good (doubtful). I think surpassing the 90 day mark and persistently emailing courteous, firm, and specific queries is more than likely the bulk of the reason I am getting a more timely response.

I was told yesterday that it was the Williamson County "field investigation" which is currently the long pole in the tent, and a "technician" has been assigned to expedite my application (I guess, bird-dog the WilCo folks). Hopefully the process is quick once the background check is complete. I have to leave the state on a very long road trip in the last week of Sept. and I am finding now that the likelihood that my CHL will arrive before I leave will be very slim. That will be over 120 days from my submission date.

I think the key to getting a response from DPS or frankly from anyone with whom you are trying to do business is to be courteous, but know the law and be informed of the process. Ask specific questions and request specific answers. Learn to recognize a form letter and reply to the form letter with specific questions that cannot be handled without an individual response such as "which county background check is being slow, Williamson or Travis?". And request a specific time frame for resolution, "Please provide an estimated date upon which I should expect my license to arrive". These kinds of questions are difficult to answer without performing an additional investigation into the situation, and usually if you can get the person on the other end invested in the process of working on your app, you will get more prompt attention since it is an active project for them rather than some thing sitting in the in-box.

Here's to hoping they get on the move before I have to head north.