There really is little or nothing odd about not remembering what was confiscated. I once had Australia confiscate something from me after I made them aware that I wasn't sure if they wanted to confiscate whatever it is I had but which I doubted would be permissible absent some kind of special inspection or certification process. I still don't recall exactly what it was that I turned in that time, but it was something that could be legally consumed in the US and on the flight over but would be a potential hazard to the Australian Ag. industry.

I'm in the process of filling out the GOES application for GE and am stuck (like everybody) on the "Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?" question.

I can't seem to find a clear answer on whether we should list traffic violations here. I have received tickets for two different things, both over 5 years ago. One was for "failure to control vehicle" when my car slid off the road on ice and the other was for speeding like 12 over on the interstate. I just "plead guilty" to both and paid the through the mail. Do these need to be disclosed?

I have to say this thread is entertaining. Even talking to my local security focal will have your head spinning as to what will or will not get your credentials issued or revoked, for US citizens. All I can say is it depends on people involved in the specific situation, interviewer and interviewee.

I was never in the military but have worked on or around both civilian and military aircraft my entire career. Funny thing is I still had to sign up for the Global Entry program to get access to the Pre-TSA line even though I hold a DOD clearance level. I find it somewhat remarkable that just because you travel for a living you become trusted to do no bad. I suspect (no proof) the airline industry has the biggest influence on what changes are made to please the flying public. Especially when it comes to things like Pre-TSA, Global Entry, or similar programs used to control the influx of people entering or leaving a country at the airport. Now my Delta boarding pass tells me ahead of time I get to walk around with the elites when I enter the airport security line.

Don’t get angry if you get denied the glory of acting like an elitist at the airport, in time it will change. Hopefully back to the somewhat carefree days of air travel in the past when you had a much higher chance of sitting on board an aircraft about to be hijacked or skyjacked as they sometimes call it (especially for the international traveler).

Back in the mid 1980’s I remember your family could actually wait with you in the gate area and watch your plane as it is pushed away, or in some cases power back from the gate. The airline passengers were treated great most of the time. Check-in counter and security lines seemed like a breeze to use. Although I remember seeing signs in the St. Louis airport security lane reminding people to not even joke about bombs on airplanes. Yes sir, the good ole days.

I thought you could get pre-check by showing a CAC?

To qualify for PreCheck, the CAC holder must also be an active duty service member.

Minor traffic infractions generally aren't "criminal" and therefore don't have to be disclosed. Speeding 12 over certainly isn't criminal and failure to control vehicle doesn't sound criminal. Speeding 30+ over, reckless driving, DUI, etc are generally criminal.

Most States require at least some court appearance for a criminal conviction, but that isn't a hard and fast rule.

Are very minor damage (e.g. lightly scraped bumper type) hit-and-runs with a parked vehicle (as that accounts for the overwhelming majority of hit-and-runs according to insurance companies) -- that involve a court appearance -- considered "criminal" by DHS when the police never made an arrest but identified suspects with the charges pursued in courts by prosecutors where the cases end up as a civil compromise of sort?

Street parking in NYC or Chicago comes with a lot of these kind of minor fender-benders.

I would call that surrendered, not confiscated.

You are trying to tell me that such forgotten thing wasn't confiscated? Do you happen to recall what they did with that which they took? I recall no return of the stuff. I recall no intention to surrender when making the inquiry.

Did I not read it right? You said you told them about it. When you tell them about it and they take it it's a very different situation than when they find it and take it.

Making an inquiry about something is rather distinct from an intent to voluntarily surrender that about which an inquiry may be made. I don't recall what I turned in, but I turned it in only because they said they needed to confiscate it.

I would recommend you do check yes and disclose this. I am fairly sure I was declined for that same reason as I had speeding tickets and did not say "Yes" on the form. In my naturalization, I did say "Yes" on that question.

Unless they were criminal convictions, that is very unlikely.

Anybody who answers what are individual state law questions without looking at a copy of the citation/ticket and the specific statute, is not helping you at all. What their Aunt Tilly did back 25 years ago really doesn't matter.

If you are in doubt, err on the side of disclosure. CBP actually doesn't need the answers from you to determine the underlying question of conviction. Those records are available to CBP. What the questions do is permit CBP to assess your truthfulness.

Doubtful. The fact that someone indicates that absent an arrest or conviction for criminal activity the matter isn't relevant is helpful -- it suggests to the person to look into whether or not what they did was of a criminal nature or not in determining what needs to be disclosed and what need not be disclosed at time of application and/or interview.

Some truthful applicant-provided disclosures that are unnecessary may result in the CBP denying Global Entry. It's good that some people are asking questions here and seeking answers before they apply and/or interview.