Ep 19. Inside the Real NCIS

Inside the Real NCIS is the nineteenth episode of the 2008 season of National Geographic Documentaries. In this episode, viewers get an in-depth look at the job of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes within the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

The episode takes the audience behind the scenes to meet the men and women who work for the NCIS, including special agents and forensic experts. Interviews with active and retired NCIS officials provide insight into the challenging nature of their work, which involves solving complex crimes and protecting national security.

The episode starts by exploring the history of the NCIS, which dates back to 1882. It then moves on to explain the various responsibilities of the agency, which include counter-terrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigations. The show highlights the agency's mission, which is to serve as the primary law enforcement and counterintelligence arm of the United States Navy.

Viewers also learn about the NCIS' day-to-day operations and the tools that they have at their disposal. They use cutting-edge technology to investigate crimes, including advanced forensic analysis, computer forensics, and electronic surveillance. The episode includes a visit to a state-of-the-art crime lab, where viewers can see how evidence is collected and analyzed to build a case.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the different types of cases that the NCIS handles, including theft, homicide, and cybercrime. The show follows agents as they investigate cases involving everything from stolen military equipment to murder on a naval base. The audience can see the painstaking and meticulous work that goes into every case, including interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence, and conducting surveillance.

The episode also covers the challenges that the NCIS faces in their work. These challenges include working in hostile environments overseas, dealing with classified information, and going up against powerful adversaries. The show explores several real-life cases that the NCIS has been involved in, including the notorious murder of Marine Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach, and the investigation into the bombing of the USS Cole.

In addition to the work of the NCIS agents, the episode also explores the role of support staff, such as civilian employees and contractors. Viewers can see how these individuals provide vital assistance to the agency, including administrative support, technical expertise, and language translation.

Overall, Inside the Real NCIS offers a fascinating look into the world of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The episode sheds light on the agency's mission, challenges, and accomplishments, and highlights the important work that these law enforcement professionals do to keep our country safe. With interviews from current and former agency officials, as well as real-life case examples, this episode is an engaging and informative look at the NCIS.