What is NCIS investigative jurisdiction?
Within the DON, NCIS has primary responsibility for investigating actual, suspected, or alleged major criminal offenses (those punishable by more than one year’s confinement). NCIS also has exclusive investigative jurisdiction within the DON for actual, potential, or suspected acts of espionage, terrorism, sabotage, assassination, or defection by naval personnel. NCIS does not investigate purely military offenses — that is, acts that are criminal offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice solely because of the military status of the offender (for example, desertion or UCMJ violations involving consensual sexual activities). NCIS supports Navy and Marine Corps requirements around the globe, with an agent assigned to every aircraft carrier and “big-deck” amphibious vessel that goes to sea. NCIS Special Agents are authorized by law to conduct arrests of military members and civilians alike, both on and off military installations.
