Can an Amnesiac with Special Forces Skills Work with the FBI in Real Life?

On the TV show Blindspot, the main character is an amnesiac but has special forces skills, so the FBI lets her participate in a team—while they figure out who she is. This scenario raises the question: would this be enough to allow her to work with the FBI in real life? Let's explore this.

Key Requirements for Working with the FBI

To work with the FBI in law enforcement, individuals must either be an FBI agent, a graduate of their academy, and sworn in or a task force officer, also a graduate of their academy and sworn. These rules are enforced by law, and are part of a mundane yet necessary process to ensure the agency's integrity and security. However, these rules do not align well with the dramatic nature of TV shows, which often stretch the limits of reality for entertainment value.

Single Case vs. Career Participation

If participation is limited to a single case, the FBI could potentially do this. Intelligence agencies, including the FBI, have had to rely on individuals with questionable backgrounds to gain information, as in the case of El Chapo's network. Using such individuals can be beneficial in gaining access to high-level targets.

However, for a career involving regular interaction and involvement, the risks and thorough vetting required make this scenario impractical. As one FBI careerist would be vetted thoroughly, the risks of working with someone with amnesia and special forces skills are significant. These individuals would need to be well-rounded in character, personality, and experiences, not just possess particular skills.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Allowing an individual with amnesia to participate in FBI operations could present substantial legal and ethical liabilities. Proper background investigations, akin to a Single-Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), and obtaining TS-SCI clearance are essential, but they would not be sufficient. Individuals must also be vetted for their character and experiences to ensure they are not a risk to the agency or individuals they come into contact with.

The SSBI is a thorough investigation conducted by the FBI to determine eligibility for security clearance. If this investigation concludes favorably, it does not guarantee that an individual can work with the FBI. The person must also be a well-rounded individual with a clear character and a background that does not present risks to national security.

Conclusion

While the TV show Blindspot offers a compelling narrative by having an amnesiac with special forces skills participate in FBI operations, this scenario would not be feasible in real life. The FBI and other intelligence agencies follow strict protocols to ensure that their personnel meet rigorous standards. These standards are neither flexible nor can they be bypassed for the sake of dramatic convenience or legal liability.

It is important to base our understanding of reality on facts, not fictional portrayals. While the show's scenario is exciting and entertaining, it does not reflect the stringent, bureaucratic, and legally required processes of real law enforcement agencies.

Key Takeaways:

Essential requirements: FBI agent or task force officer with academy training and swearing in. Background investigations and clearance are critical: SSBI and TS-SCI clearance. Rigorous vetting for character and experiences to ensure safety and integrity.