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Again, a basic online search leads you to the precise forms that NYPD requires for handgun permits. Having received NYPD’s rejection on May 17, I mailed back my appeal letter on May 29. My letter outlined my objections to Mantellino’s apparent lack of familiarity with his own system or his obligations under New York law. Four months and a follow-up letter later, NYPD mailed their response, which amounted to: Sorry, we never got your letter. But we would have rejected it, anyway.That’s the thing about handling matters solely by postal mail, as the NYPD insists on doing. Since my appeal “never arrived” within the 60-day window, the department didn’t even have to respond. Moreover, NYPD Records Access Appeals Officer Jonathan David continued, “Had your appeal been timely, your appeal would be denied.” David cobbled together a variety of justifications for not attaching a spreadsheet—in flagrant contradiction to a state advisory opinion published in June that outlined why these records are indeed public.One way or another, the NYPD is determined to avoid releasing information. Whether it’s “losing” letters or rejecting standard requests, the police department's information gatekeepers have demonstrated the direct extent to which they’ve lost sight of transparency principles. Government documents are the public’s by right, and we must continue to demand them.Whether it’s “losing” letters or rejecting standard requests, the NYPD's information gatekeepers have demonstrated the direct extent to which they’ve lost sight of transparency principles.