Over the past three years, I’ve been getting denied on my background checks when purchasing a firearm. I immediately call TICS, ask for a supervisor, they either tell the dealer to refresh the screen because they approved it or to check email for approval from appeal (more recently). This has occurred at least four times now.
I reached out to several different departments at TBI which put me in touch with one of the TICS supervisors who remembered me. The supervisor informed me that a Non Judicial Article 15 from +20 years ago is often mistaken by new employees hired during Covid. I have NEVER had a denial with NICS, NFA items, or carry permits in multiple states since 2001. This is a TICS employee issue. I was told a memo was distributed through TICS to educate employees on military Article 15s and not to deny background checks for them. After being assured by a TICS supervisor this wouldn’t happen again, it happened exactly a year later when I went to pick up a fireman that I ordered during a Black Friday sale.
As usual, I called TICS and asked for a supervisor. Sadly, I recognized him from several years ago and he immediately approved it. He had my FFL check their email and the appeal was approved. I left with firearm but did mention to the supervisor how I had correspondence with his colleague who assured me this was fixed. He told me how they had new employees hired during COVID who didn’t understand military terms on background checks as well.
I don’t believe the appeal process is meant to be used this way. If I didn’t have a direct number, it would take me days to get my firearm over incompetent employees. I did notify the previous supervisor via email again about the issue but never received a reply. I’m considering contacting the TICS Associate Director directly this week about the issue. Does anyone have any suggestions? The TICS supervisors are very helpful and apologetic (I have their emails); however, the denials should not be occurring. Thanks in advance!