Critical Incidents from NCIS That Still Haunt Me as a Law Enforcement Officer

As a seasoned Law Enforcement Officer, I can understand the liberties taken in the portrayal of law enforcement in TV shows such as NCIS. However, there are specific instances that continue to bother me, especially in terms of the portrayal of undercover operations and the convenience of investigative tools.

Unarmed Undercover Operations That Distract from Real Responsibilities

One of the elements that irritates me the most about undercover operations in NCIS is the lack of consequences for the undercover agent. In one instance during Season 2, an agent was sent undercover without a weapon. The mission involved working with a prisoner, but the agent ended up knowingly escaping custody, believing that he would eventually be set free as part of the undercover operation. However, aiding and abetting and grand theft auto are crimes that usually have severe consequences in the real world. The fact that this agent escaped without any repercussions, despite being involved in such serious offenses, is both unrealistic and frustrating.

The Intricacies of Abby’s Printers: A Constant Frustration

Another aspect that irks me is the way that evidence is processed in NCIS. One of the more irritating examples is the scene where Abby’s reports and evidence come off the printer exactly when the team leader needs them. As a real-life law enforcement officer, I have never managed to achieve such seamless and timely document production over the course of my 22-year career. This level of convenience is simply unrealistic and frustrating, as it doesn't reflect the actual time and effort required to gather, analyze, and document evidence.

The Two-Part Episodes and Their Disappointments

Two-part episodes in TV shows can be particularly disruptive, as they often require us to wait weeks or even months to see the continuation of the storyline. One such instance in NCIS involves a two-part episode that wrapped up the ninth season and began the tenth. The first part ended with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers in suspense. The waiting period until summer reruns began was agonizing, and the second part ultimately did not meet my expectations. As a result, I found it difficult to return to the show, and I stopped watching it entirely.

The Reality Check in NCIS

While NCIS is undoubtedly a highly entertaining show with compelling storylines, it often falls short in terms of realism. The portrayal of undercover operations and the convenient nature of investigative tools like Abby’s printers can be viewed as unrealistic and even offensive to those who understand the complexities and nuances of real law enforcement. These elements play a significant role in why some viewers, like myself, find it difficult to fully embrace the show’s storyline and remain loyal to it.

Conclusion

Despite the entertainment value, there are particular elements of NCIS that continue to trouble me. Undercover operations where agents are immune to consequences, and the convenient processes of evidence production, are not reflective of the realities faced by law enforcement officers. These issues, along with the frustration of waiting for two-part episodes, are the reasons why, as a loyal law enforcement professional, I have found it increasingly difficult to enjoy NCIS over time.

For those who share similar perspectives, it is worth exploring alternative shows that are more grounded in reality and provide a truer reflection of the challenges faced by law enforcement.