Harris Co Background checks

[ErnieNWillis]

I just spoke with a rep from the DPS CHL division and was informed that the DPS Field Office in Harris Co. received a request for my BG check May 4, 2009. That has been 11 weeks and they still have nothing! She said as soon as they receive the BG check from Harris Co I would receive my license shortly after. BTW, I have not lived in Harris Co since 1995.

[Chip]

I have not lived in Harris Co since 1995.

Did you ask why they felt a need to request a check from Harris County? Was one of the addresses (work, old home, etc.) on your application from Harris County?

Do you live in Willis? The Montgomery County background checks seem to be happening reasonably quickly.

[ErnieNWillis]

I have not lived in Harris Co since 1995.

Did you ask why they felt a need to request a check from Harris County? Was one of the addresses (work, old home, etc.) on your application from Harris County?

Do you live in Willis? The Montgomery County background checks seem to be happening reasonably quickly.

No, I haven't yet. I left a message for the tech. who's handling my application and she actually called me back although I wasn't able to take the call. I will ask her why I needed a BG check from Harris Co when I call her back. Anything else I should ask her?

[USA1]

Anything else I should ask her?

ask her to see whats up with my app.
tell her that USA1 is getting restless

[infoman]

apparently, you've worked in Harris County at some point since 1995

[ErnieNWillis]

apparently, you've worked in Harris County at some point since 1995

I currently work in Harris Co. I suppose that's why the need a BG check? lOL

[Chip]

I currently work in Harris Co. I suppose that's why the need a BG check?

That's what they are saying, yes. IANAL but as I read the statute it seems that DPS MUST check with the field office in your area of residence, but has decided on their own to do a background check in your area of employment as well.

Tell the technician that Harris County must return the background check within 60 days of the date the department in Austin receives your application with a recommendation to approve or deny, and ask on what authority are they delaying. It won't make any difference, but you'll feel a little better.

The DPS office we call at the 1-800 number is blaming their field offices, but this is their problem as well.

[ErnieNWillis]

I currently work in Harris Co. I suppose that's why the need a BG check?

That's what they are saying, yes. IANAL but as I read the statute it seems that DPS MUST check with the field office in your area of residence, but has decided on their own to do a background check in your area of employment as well.

Tell the technician that Harris County must return the background check within 60 days of the date the department in Austin receives your application with a recommendation to approve or deny, and ask on what authority are they delaying. It won't make any difference, but you'll feel a little better.

The DPS office we call at the 1-800 number is blaming their field offices, but this is their problem as well.

I am past the point of being annoyed. I just want my little card to come in the mail so I can quit obsessing over it. LOL

[ErnieNWillis]

OK, I may have some good news. I spoke to the tech handling my application and she said she would put me on a rush list to expidite my BG check. I hope she can make this happen. She told me I had her direct line and I could call back and check with her every week to check my status. Keep your fingers crossed for me guy's.

[USA1]

OK, I may have some good news. I spoke to the tech handling my application and she said she would put me on a rush list to expidite my BG check. I hope she can make this happen. She told me I had her direct line and I could call back and check with her every week to check my status. Keep your fingers crossed for me guy's.

just curious , which county ?

[ErnieNWillis]

OK, I may have some good news. I spoke to the tech handling my application and she said she would put me on a rush list to expidite my BG check. I hope she can make this happen. She told me I had her direct line and I could call back and check with her every week to check my status. Keep your fingers crossed for me guy's.

just curious , which county ?

Harris

[quickdraw]

Expedite List? I don't believe there is one, My tech told me that six weeks ago.

[USA1]

perhaps they tell us what we want to hear to get us off the phone .
i'm surprised they answer the phone at all .

[bbuchanan]

dont think for one minute they wont tell you anything you will believe just to get you to hang the phone up.

[Chip]

it's probably a stall move which makes you feel better for long enough to get you "off their backs" for a while.

Without a doubt.

I've sent two polite but firm emails to DPS reminding them of the time limits (and I carefully did not do this until after I hit the 90 day implicit denial time). I've also talked to local staffers for my elected officials. Today, there's a message from DPS on the answering machine, someone wanting to talk to me about my "status". I'll call tomorrow, I'm debating on what to say. I know I'll hear all the "gee, we're sorry, we're waiting on Harris County, thanks for your patience". The thing is, for those of us who live outside Harris County but work there, the Harris County background check is not required by statute. I'll mention that to the DPS person as well as reminding that the Harris County designee is not abiding by the statutory time requirements. It won't get anywhere, but it will make me feel better. I don't know whether I should ask why I've been denied, or send them a letter requesting a formal hearing, or just let the whole thing slide.

I really hope that everyone who is hitting the 90 day mark is raising some ruckus.