Essex not as good as they were…

[Rob-E]

Granted I’ve been spoilt with Essex so far.

On moving into the county I had my FEO visit within days, checked all the details and even made some long over due corrections, and granted me a new calibre.

A 1:1 variation took under 2 weeks.

On renewal I got another calibre, and a letter to extend my FAC if they didn’t do the admin in time which they did.

Last year I had an additional calibre added and FAC requested by them within 48hrs!

I’m now on 4 weeks since my last 1:1 variation with nothing back. I’ve enquired and they have confirmed they’ve received it and just not got to it yet.

What’s changed? I assume they’ve lost staff?
Maybe I’ve been a bit les et faire this time as I’ve had such good service in the past.

I usually name who I’ve spoken with, send pictures of all pages of my FAC, and write the agreed justification with the FEO. This time I was less detailed.

Annoyingly this is the first time I’ve put a deposit on a rifle before actually having the slot!

 

[FISH BOY]

Summer holidays?

Half of my team at work are currently out.

 

[Rob-E]

Possibly, it was pre-summer holidays it went in.
I know compared to some areas I have nothing to complain about it’s just gone from amazingly fast to very quiet.

I am starting to wonder if it’s because I wasn’t as detailed as previous variations.

 

[Bones]

I find Essex are absolutely brilliant and had several variations back within days.
Once I phoned as I hadn't heard anything for a couple weeks and the most wonderful lady said that it was literally 'stuck in the ether somewhere ' and would never had been actioned - certificate back within 48 hours.
A polite call is probably all that is needed, as they are the best - and it's amazing when you actually deal with the rare commodity of human beings !!

 

[Klenchblaize]

"Lost staff" may well be a contributory factor.

To date, Kent Police's FLD have, to all intent and purpose, been exemplary in both their timeliness and informed approach to Renewals and Variations. At least that's been my experience.

That said, when I last spoke to the person dealing with my less than 'challenging' Variation we ended our conversation in what I hoped was a positive manner, only to be informed that the likelihood of dealing with anyone currently on the "Team" upon my Renewal was highly unlikely due to retirement, restructuring and staff concerns around liability/accountability.

K