TCLS: Scott Payne 12.2.2025

Via Scott Payne’s LinkedIn…

Retired Special Agent Scott D. Payne served in law enforcement for 28 years. Payne began his law enforcement career at the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville, South Carolina, where he worked for five years as a Uniform Patrol Officer and a Vice and Narcotics Investigator.

Payne entered on duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1998 and worked until his retirement in 2021. In his career, Payne was assigned to the New York Field Office, the San Antonio Field Office/McAllen Resident Agency, and the Knoxville Field Offices. As an Agent, Payne led investigations targeting Drug Trafficking Organizations, Special Interest Alien Smuggling Organizations, Gangs, Violent Crime, Criminal Enterprises, Public Corruption, and Domestic Terrorism.

Payne was also an FBI SWAT Team Operator for over 7 years, where he participated in numerous arrests of violent criminals, execution of search warrants, as well as protective details for the United States Attorney General and the FBI Director.

As an instructor in Firearms/Tactics/Undercover/Defensive Tactics throughout his FBI career, Payne has trained thousands of federal, state and local law enforcement officers throughout the United States in various certification schools. Payne was the Principal Tactical Instructor, Principle Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Lead Active Shooter Instructor for FBI Knoxville.

Throughout his FBI career, SA Payne has been the primary undercover agent in numerous long-term undercover operations. These undercover operations varied in investigations, to include but not limited to, violent motorcycle gangs, public corruption, murder for hire, drug trafficking organizations, and domestic terrorist groups with international ties.

On June 30, 2020, Payne was presented with a proclamation from Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs declaring it Scott D. Payne Day in Knox County, TN. Payne also received a proclamation from TN Lt. Governor Randy McNally and US Congressman Tim Burchett thanked Payne for his service during a session of Congress.

In January of 2022, Payne was interviewed as the feature story in Rolling Stones magazine’s February 2022 issue. The article has led to multiple opportunities for tv series/movie deals as well as a book deal.

Payne authored the book, Codename: Pale Horse, and is a New York Times Bestselling Author.

Payne continues to provide undercover, tactical, and firearms training to law enforcement. He also is a guest speaker at various venues.