The true wait begins.

[drbassbmd]

So the class is over now, the real patience game begins. Before it was wait for a phone call to get the date for the class. Then it was wait for the class. Now its wait for the card, or paper to deny in the mail... Sigh.

When do you guys think I should call?

[brightside]

The hard part's over. I know it's hard to wait, but at least that's all you have to do. I still need the training class.

It seems that the most common delay is the BI not being able to get a hold of your 7 references. Have you talked to all your references?

I know a guy who was delayed 2 months because a couple references did not return voicemails or send in the form letters.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to contact your BI to ensure that all references have replied / been contacted.

I know I didn't answer your original question, but I'm sure someone who went through the process will.

[drbassbmd]

Originally Posted by brightside

The hard part's over. I know it's hard to wait, but at least that's all you have to do. I still need the training class.

It seems that the most common delay is the BI not being able to get a hold of your 7 references. Have you talked to all your references?

I know a guy who was delayed 2 months because a couple references did not return voicemails or send in the form letters.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to contact your BI to ensure that all references have replied / been contacted.

I know I didn't answer your original question, but I'm sure someone who went through the process will.

hmm good point. I need to talk to them about that. I know 3 of my reference got info about me. One of my written ref said he got a voice mail. I'm not sure he replied tho.

[glock4life]

Originally Posted by drbassbmd

hmm good point. I need to talk to them about that. I know 3 of my reference got info about me. One of my written ref said he got a voice mail. I'm not sure he replied tho.

In my case everything was done the 3 references returned their part, the interview, the class all were done. When the letter writers where contacted months later that was close to the end. Soon after that I received my permit

[2bikemike]

At least you guys are at the end of the waiting game. I am at the very beginning. Waiting for a friendly Sheriff.

[2bikemike]

Do references need to be local? I have had 2 of my best friends bail out of Calif. when they retired. One was a LEO. I would really like to use him as a reference. It just seems like he would carry more weight. I could be wrong though.

[Bald Biker]

A watched pot never boils. It was the longest month!

[Spotfyrecsi]

Hey Dr not sure how true it is but I was told if there was a problem you would have been told long before they signed you up for the class. Granted Im heading to my class next week so maybe someone that just completed the process can chime in. Good luck

[X-ffdo]

When I first applied, mine took 4 months after the range class.

[brightside]

Originally Posted by 2bikemike

Do references need to be local?

I don't remember seeing a requirement that references need be local. However, because proof of residency is very important, having too many "out of county" references is suspect. For example, if you are applying for a San Bernardino County CCW, but all your references are in LA County, the BI may take a closer look at your residency (out of county references are not an automatic denial or anything, so I'm thinking what you described is not a big deal).

Originally Posted by Spotfyrecsi

Hey Dr not sure how true it is but I was told if there was a problem you would have been told long before they signed you up for the class.

Not necessarily. Totally depends on your BI. Lately, I have read (also by personal experience), at least in SB county, all 7 references are contacted a couple weeks from the interview and if there is a problem the BI will contact you. However, again.. this totally depends on the BI. I'm sure all BI's will eventually contact you if they can't get a hold of all your references... The questions is whether they will contact you within a week... a month... or several months.

[jim2005]

Make sure you stay in contact with your references. If (1) of the (4) character references don’t return the packet that is sent to them from the Sheriff Dept. your file will be held up until the Sheriff dept. gets that info from your reference.
After you have verified that all of your references have sent back their packet call Joyce and verify your file has the responses/questioner from your friends, things get lost and misplaced.
Once you hear the BI has called 1 of your other 3 references check with your other 2 friends to make sure the BI did talk to them and if the BI left a message for your friend to call back insure your friend calls back.
unfortunately I am talking from experience, friends are great but sometimes their life gets in the way of what I want them to do for me.

Now enjoy the

[RickD6023]

My wait was five months and the delay was getting the neighborhood check. I have a friend who has been waiting since Feb. He called and one of his references did not return the form and is not returning phone calls.

I think that the lesson learned is to be sure that your references understand how important it is for them to return the inquiry as quickly as possible.

Remember, we are here to help get through the wait even though it drives you crazy.

[drbassbmd]

Well I talked to my references. 3 of the 4 got the letter and 2 of the 3 talked to the BI, the 3rd one a voicemail was left, but the iphones are bugging up with the voicemail so I'm sure he didn't call her back. The other the letter never got to him.

[RickD6023]

If it's been a while since your interview I would let the BI know about the one who did not get the letter.

[brightside]

Originally Posted by drbassbmd

Well I talked to my references. 3 of the 4 got the letter and 2 of the 3 talked to the BI, the 3rd one a voicemail was left, but the iphones are bugging up with the voicemail so I'm sure he didn't call her back. The other the letter never got to him.

Be careful. Getting the letter is not good enough. Make sure they actually mailed it in and verify this with your BI. If the third person did not call back the BI, make sure they do. Even if you have to hold their hand and dial the number for them.

If they are so much of a flake to not call, then find out if you can replace them with another reference.