Frustration with RPAL and the RCMP

[Steelking]

I've seen many posts on wait times for applications and concerns about the application process.
I too have become a victim of the RCMP's mediocre phone interview process. After waiting 60+ days trying to upgrade to a RPAL, I received a letter in the mail and had to call.
I spoke with a woman that had the personality of a dead cat. Maybe she was having a bad day?
I answered the same questions I did on the form, until I got to the 'depression' issue. I tried to explain that I recently went to the doctor as a request of my wife (of 18 years) and I was put on anti-depressants. Well, OMFG! No matter my response, I 'was not giving her enough information'. (I got a little mad when she called me 'just lazy')
I have no criminal record, I have never been charged with an offence, no suicidal thoughts and have owned firearms most of my life. These facts did not seem to matter.

Now my application is under review and is being sent back to me to provide a more suitable reference(he's a police officer for God Sakes!).

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant.
Anyone else run into this same BS? Drop a reply.

Steelking

 

[Aviad]

My process was also delayed for no good reason.
When I called to check the status of my application, I was told that there was a problem, and they will have to look into it and call me back in 15 minutes (around 11am).
When I gave up on their callback, I called myself to see if there's any progress. The lady (same one again) was actually nice, and admitted she never did anything with it (said she was super busy) and suggested she will call me on the following business day (with a weekend in between).
Understanding I have no other choice, I agreed. Five minutes later, she calls me back, and explains the 'problem' with my application. Seeing how I got divorced within 24 months prior to submitting the application, they needed to talk to my lovely ex-wife (which I understand fully, don't get me wrong), but when they called her the first time, she didn't pick up the phone, at that point my application was marked 'problematic' and set aside to collect dust.
When I called (and re-called) the lady figured out this was the only 'problem' with my application, tried to call my ex again (wonderful idea, isn't it?) and once the ex-boss gave the go-ahead, my application was approved.
I know any office has some mess within it, and sometimes it's hard to keep track of thousands of papers coming your way, but I would expect them to try getting her again, and not wait for my wake up call.

Ohh, and as of now, it has been 5 weeks since I have done my club ATT course, still no ATT, even though this should only take 4 weeks

Basically, my attitude towards these situations is simple:
1. I have no choice, and only RCMP issue license. Had I been able to submit my application to Canadian Tire, I will, but you can't.
2. Because we have no choice, we are better off being nice to these guys, even if they piss us off.
3. At the end of the day (or month, or year, etc...) you will get your license. If you provoke the lazy folks @ RCMP, you might not.

Keep smiling, at the end of the day, everything seems to work out

 

[voxdei]

My gf's application was delayed 8 months with no reason ever given. Hers was sent in the same envelope as mine and references where completed at the same time (and the same people). Mine was completed 28 days after they received it. Hers took 8 months and every time she called they said everything was fine and they where just waiting final approval.

 

[Trinimon]

I've seen many posts on wait times for applications and concerns about the application process.
I too have become a victim of the RCMP's mediocre phone interview process. After waiting 60+ days trying to upgrade to a RPAL, I received a letter in the mail and had to call.
I spoke with a woman that had the personality of a dead cat. Maybe she was having a bad day?
I answered the same questions I did on the form, until I got to the 'depression' issue. I tried to explain that I recently went to the doctor as a request of my wife (of 18 years) and I was put on anti-depressants. Well, OMFG! No matter my response, I 'was not giving her enough information'. (I got a little mad when she called me 'just lazy')
I have no criminal record, I have never been charged with an offence, no suicidal thoughts and have owned firearms most of my life. These facts did not seem to matter.

Now my application is under review and is being sent back to me to provide a more suitable reference(he's a police officer for God Sakes!).

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant.
Anyone else run into this same BS? Drop a reply.

Steelking

A friend went through a similar routine with his RPAL. Expect another 4-6weeks while the "review" your application. Eventually it will end up being forwarded to your local Police Station where you will have to call in for another interview process and possibly provide a medical clearance.

Keep in mind that they are conducting a serious interview, be professional and hold your temper. If you showed as much frustration like you did in your post, well, good luck 'cause you just made yourself look like you're a bit unstable and easy to lose your temper.