Scott D. Payne: Inside the Mind of an Undercover FBI Agent

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono®

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono welcomes Scott D. Payne, a retired FBI agent with 28 years of law enforcement experience, who shares insights on the evolving challenges in policing. He discusses the dynamic nature of smuggling, emphasizing that demand influences supply and methods, while expressing concern about the impact of open borders on national security. Payne highlights ongoing challenges in interagency collaboration since 9/11 and notes the evolution of domestic terrorism into a more dangerous form called accelerationism. As one of only about 600 certified undercover agents in the FBI, he reflects on the rarity and emotional toll of undercover work. Additionally, he addresses a significant crisis in Tennessee, stressing the need for better public policy to address the situation. Throughout his career, Payne emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in law enforcement, advocating for love over hate in society as a crucial aspect of effective policing.