This is why the real life NCIS is more influential than you think

Ruddy Cano
Updated onNov 29, 2022 7:54 AM PST
3 minute read
ncis

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiana A. Raines)

SUMMARY

Most people who have watched an episode of the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) probably felt like the events were…

Most people who have watched an episode of the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) probably felt like the events were based on real-life situations. While some actors and actresses in the shows are connected to their roles, some scenes do not represent what happens on the ground. NCIS is a federal law enforcement branch in the Navy department composed of the civilian detectives and the Marine Corps in active duty. To oversee the success of military investigations, the NCIS agents are normally placed strategically in more than 130 locations worldwide.

Unlike TV agents in the show, real agents conduct duties similar to civilian detectives. Their operation and area of expertise involve general and economic crimes, crime prevention, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, procurement fraud, counterespionage, surveillance and counterterrorism. Similarly, they are always ready to act on notices related to the Navy or Marine Military Police. Of course, the NCIS will not be the first responder in crime situations. Rather, it will be the local police or, if the scene is on the base.

TV shows involving NCIS agents normally present it as a large corporation, which is not the case in real-life. NCIS is a moderately small agency that cannot match big fishes like the FBI or DEA. While being a civilian agency has the advantage of sovereignty. Detectives often complain of bureaucracy when handling evidence. Additionally, they argue that they are not given enough funding. NCIS should be prioritized like other security agencies because they professionally conduct their deployments, investigations, and counter-terrorism. 

Russell-Knox Building, headquarters of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Headquarters, 27130 Telegraph Road, Quantico, Virginia, USA

Despite the fact that most Americans have no idea of the existence of an NCIS agency, it is considered one of the most influential crime investigation agencies. The organization is an independent body that does not answer to other agencies. However, since NCIS agents want to create a good rapport with other agencies, they try to involve themselves with different organizations. Through its Information Exchange Program, the NCIS shares acquired information during its investigations with other agencies. This makes it easier to assess certain situations jointly to come up with extraordinary solutions and strategies.

In addition to that, the NCIS agents give security force and law enforcement training to those who would like to join their force. The training is meant to equip aspiring agents with important skills to keep them in check as civilian detectives. The NCIS also holds seminars and engage in behavioral assessments. Like any other law enforcement organization in the US, NCIS takes its job seriously to ensure all citizens and persons worldwide are safe.

According to analysts, the duties and influence of the NCIS in TV shows and real life are almost similar. In fact, the TV show creators sometimes consult the real NCIS on certain storylines to keep in line with the real-time situations. The director of the NCIS stated in an interview that they make a priority to ensure the series maintains specific credibility and accuracy levels. Moreover, the real agency owes it to the TV show for the sudden and increased public awareness of NCIS. 

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However, the NCIS does not restrict the TV show creators in any way as they are allowed to add more dramatic content to make the series more interesting. This is a usual occurrence with all fictional movies regardless of the storyline. Generally, the TV show was commended for doing their best in portraying a real picture of the NCIS. Additionally, NCIS does an incredible job protecting people worldwide even though it is not as conspicuous as other agencies.

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