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This confirms HPD doesn't process CCW apps FIFO, but random grabbing at the stack.
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is that really the only thing it could have been?
When I worked for a place that processed rebates for energy-related purchases, we pre-screened the rebate applications.
Those that were straight-forward, prescribed energy-saving measures (those that conformed to established products with all required documentation) were put at the front of the line. They were paid within a day of prescreening, because they were quick, easy and properly submitted. No sense in making them wait behind all the applications requiring additional work to approve.
Many applications were from businesses that didn't follow the prescribed energy-saving measures, but instead wanted to buy a product we hadn't yet evaluated. We called those "custom measures." That required an engineer to investigate to see (1) what the business currently used, (2) the technical specs for the retrofit products, and (3) the amount of energy saved over the anticipated lifespan of the new products. That takes time and extra approvals. Some rebates were in the 10s of thousands of dollars, so the calculations and requirements had to be 100% reviewed at different levels.
Then there are the applications that were just hurriedly submitted without the proper documentation and/or with products that didn't qualify. I remember among the first applications i reviewed, one was asking for a rebate for replacing a split AC system for their home. They didn't replace the entire AC -- only the outside compressor unit. The rebate only covered complete systems. It took some research and calling to make sure the facts were correct, and the application was denied.
I can see CCW applications being processed in a similar fashion. The ones that have no problems should be moving through processing quickly. Those that have mistakes or questions about drug arrests or mental health history would slow their processing down.
I think part of the problem is Cops are not hired to be paper pushers. Processing applications is a completely administrative task. I bet the biggest slow-down is with Cops finding other things to take care of that's more interesting while "waiting" for someone to get back to them on applications.
Hanlon's RazorNever attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.