Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Scott Payne (retired undercover FBI Agent)
30 snips
May 28, 2025 
Scott Payne, a retired FBI Special Agent and author, shares gripping stories from his 28-year undercover career. He recounts his initiation into undercover work with biker gangs and the moral dilemmas of betraying trust for justice. Scott delves into infiltrating extremist groups, discussing a surreal goat sacrifice ritual and the psychological challenges of his role. He emphasizes the necessity of empathy while navigating the dangerous world of crime and extremism, blending thrilling anecdotes with profound insights on accountability and personal growth.
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First Undercover in High School
- Scott Payne's first undercover was in high school helping a vice principal investigate vandalism at the school.
- He used social skills and observation to identify a suspect, demonstrating early undercover instincts.
Challenges of Local Undercover Work
- Fresh local undercover officers quickly become known, causing them to be cycled out for fresh faces with less experience.
- Transition and oversight are necessary to manage the balance between undercover identity and local recognition.
Deep Undercover with Outlaw Bikers
- Scott Payne infiltrated the outlaw biker gang, gaining trust and participating in criminal acts to maintain cover.
- The case led to disbanding the chapter and imprisoning over a dozen members after two years undercover.
