Project F.I.D.O.

[Hammerhead]

Thanks for the heads up about that broken link; it's been fixed.

Because the FIDO process requires some confidential information, including a document prepared by our attorney, it's not something that can be published for all to see. It's a member benefit not accessible by the public. Also, there are cases where, if an applicant might have something in his background which may be a problem (read: construed by the local arrogant PD as cause for denial), the lawyer should be advised of in advance so that you may receive the best counsel possible prior to applying. As you might know, a denial can be highly problematic and FIDO is all about avoiding obstacles by observing 'best practices' up front, instead of trying to fix what went wrong afterward.

Feel free to email or PM me and we can take next steps...

[shootnj]

Forcing the Police Depts to do their jobs within 30 days is not the path to follow. If you have legal or mental issues or your references have not sent back the forms there is nothing the Police Dept can do. If otherwise, obtain a copy of the NJ Statute 2C:58-3(f) go to your Mayor or whoever runs your town, Council or so on. Hand them a copy of the NJ Statue; explain to the Elected Official that being a good citizen, you do not wish to embarrass the Police Chief or town. You especially do not want to be forced to press criminal charges against the Police Chief which would cause massive negative publicity and extensive legal costs for the town. (This is not a threat, you can go to the county prosecutor and file charges. Title 2:C is criminal) Then ask politely if they could enlighten the Police Dept in the NJ Laws. I teach firearms training every weekend and hear this problem all the time, so far this method has worked in 3 out of 3 towns it was attempted in. The truth is most mayors and town councils have no clue. Be nice, polite and professional.
Chet

[Hammerhead]

Originally Posted by shootnj

Forcing the Police Depts to do their jobs within 30 days is not the path to follow.

Chet, I think you misinterpreted something or read too much into this. The purpose of FIDO is to hold departments accountable for THEIR delays, not for ours. The statute was written with a 30 day window for a reason; which in this day and age of electronic records is ample time to get the background checks done promptly. Obviously if your references haven't responded, then it's your responsibility to follow up with them, or find others.

The vast majority of delays are the garden variety obfuscations from local departments who are not gun friendly. Your case of three instances where showing the statute may have worked, but that's an anomaly. In most cases, departments routinely drag their feet to tow the political anti-gun ideology of the state. Having a polite letter from counsel that the department is being 'watched' and 'reminding' them of their 30 day obligation is intended to give them one less excuse for "they didn't know" and also should serve as a warning that if the applicant wishes to contest a delay or denial, that he/she isn't just someone blowing hot air.