Committed?

I was shopping for airline tickets last month; Jim and I are planning a Western jaunt to visit children and relatives in Utah and California around Thanksgiving, so I was looking into travel options.

Friends of ours have TSA PreCheck. For $85, TSA offers 5 years of streamlined airport security lines, leaving shoes and jackets on, and laptops and toiletries tucked into carry-ons. No more worries that I’ll forget my laptop or toiletries on the belt. No more awkwardly putting my shoes back on and hobbling to a bench to tie them.

So, I started the TSA online application. After asking whether you are a US citizen or otherwise documented, it offers this advice:

"If you answer 'Yes' to question 2, 3, 4 or 6 you may want to reconsider applying…Application enrollment fees are not refunded once submitted."

No, problem. I have no criminal record. But question 6 stopped me in my tracks:

“Have you ever been found by a court or other lawful authority as lacking mental capacity or involuntarily committed to a mental institution?”

In 1995 I had a psychotically manic episode. After several hours in an emergency department, Jim signed a paper committing me to a locked psychiatric unit. A powerful anti-psychotic drug wrenched me back into reality: I was truly and quite literally temporarily insane. This was a shattering and life-altering experience. Because of it, I diligently take my psych meds and regularly see my psych nurse practitioner and therapist.

I’m confident that I’m an extremely low risk to the flying public. I love my country; I have no desire to harm other people.

After reading the TSA question, I did some web research. I only found one source addressing Question 6: Katie Rose Guest Pryal . (She also posted here.) Katie Rose applied for the TSA PreCheck and was stopped in her tracks by question 6 as well. But, although she has depression, she has never been involuntarily committed. I appreciate her essay, but I was disappointed not to find more discussion on the web.

According to oyster.com:

"Almost anyone can qualify: It’s not just for diplomats and dignitaries. The only requirements are being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Disqualifications may include customs violations, having been convicted of a crime, or being under investigation for a crime (and they will check!)."

This breezy and cheery website doesn’t mention Question 6. I feel angry and helpless.

Post-script

At supper this evening, Jim suggested we apply for the TSA PreCheck. I told him I was blogging about it tonight and we discussed the situation. He came to the conclusion that Katie Rose had:

"(I)n the end, the difference between involuntary commitment and voluntary commitment, so much of the time, is simply having someone tell you these words: “Just go voluntarily because otherwise you will have this on your record.”"

          Too bad we weren't given that advice in 1995.

          Although he didn’t voice an opinion in either direction, our conversation started me wondering: was I being defeatist? Was it worth $85 for a shot at getting the clearance? But, if I were rejected, would that permanently mark me as an undesirable? I might stand a chance in a face-to-face interview, especially if I dress well and have Jim with me. But the online application is the first hurdle and it's a close-ended questionnaire, with no essay options.

I did some more web browsing. This "complete guide" states:

"The US government says it will reject anyone who has been convicted of a crime, has violated customs or immigration regulations, or is under investigation by law enforcement. You will also be rejected if you provide false information on your application, so spend some time getting that right. Of course, customs and border control agents also have discretion to reject anyone they declare isn’t a “low risk.”"

So, dear readers, what do you think? Should I apply for the PreCheck?