Cleared Hot: Episode Summary – Chris Piotta: Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew

Release Date: November 25, 2024
Host: Andy Stumpf
Guest: Chris Piotta

1. Introduction

In this episode of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf engages in an in-depth conversation with former FBI agent Chris Piotta. Piotta, with 25 years of experience in the FBI, shares his insights on the agency's evolution, internal challenges, and high-profile cases that have shaped its current state.

2. Guest Background

Chris Piotta is a seasoned FBI veteran who served under various directors. His expertise lies in the science and technology division of the FBI, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the agency's operations and technological advancements. Piotta is also the author of the book "Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew," which delves into the internal dynamics and transformations within the FBI over the past few decades.

3. Evolution of the FBI Post-9/11

Post-9/11, the FBI underwent significant transformations, shifting its primary focus to counterterrorism. Piotta discusses how this pivot led to the sidelining of traditional law enforcement functions, such as drug enforcement and violent crime response.

• Quote [06:33]:
  Andy Stumpf: "We pushed all drug programs to the DEA and completely exited that business."
  Chris Piotta: "That’s one of the Bureau's challenges."

4. Leadership and Cultural Erosion

Piotta highlights a cultural shift within the FBI, attributing it to leadership changes and bureaucratic inertia. He emphasizes that the agency moved away from its "cops and robbers" roots, becoming more of a domestic security entity, which diluted its law enforcement effectiveness.

• Quote [35:57]:
  Chris Piotta: "So here's an interesting segue into modern day Tulsi Gabbard."
  Andy Stumpf: "It was one of those just awful situations where we had foreknowledge and she actually, the family member actually said I think he might go shoot up a school."

5. Handling of High-Profile Cases

Piotta critiques the FBI's handling of several high-profile cases, including the Hunter Biden laptop investigation and the Crossfire Hurricane operation investigating potential collusion between Trump's campaign and Russian entities.

• Quote [101:07]:
  Andy Stumpf: "But the problem was, at the time they came into possession, they validated it and then sat on it. They were scared."

Piotta asserts that such cautious approaches led to missed opportunities in preventing significant events like 9/11 and undermined public trust in the FBI's competence.

6. Internal Issues: Whistleblowers and Discrimination

The discussion delves into instances where the FBI faced internal criticism, including retaliation against whistleblowers and payouts related to sexual discrimination at the FBI Academy.

• Quote [124:22]:
  Andy Stumpf: "But he can't work externally. He can't support his family. He doesn't have his household. Goods punitive."

Piotta describes these incidents as symptomatic of a "leadership cancer," where systemic failures and lack of accountability led to substantial financial payouts and damaged the agency's reputation.

7. FBI's Technological and Procedural Challenges

Piotta explores the FBI's struggles with outdated technologies and rigid protocols, particularly concerning the Uniform Crime Report and the National Incident Based Response System. He criticizes the agency's resistance to adopting more efficient, real-time data reporting methods, which has resulted in unreliable crime statistics.

• Quote [108:04]:
  Andy Stumpf: "So what do you think? The law enforcement community said? No, thank you. Because now they're gonna see these giant spikes in unreported crimes that weren't being reported before."

8. Surveillance Practices and Privacy Concerns

The episode touches upon the controversial FISA 702 surveillance program, highlighting its opaque approval process and the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties. Piotta argues that unwarranted surveillance of U.S. persons poses significant ethical and operational dilemmas for the FBI.

• Quote [149:38]:
  Chris Piotta: "The reality is integrity of the organization. That's what it comes back to, and that's the killer."

9. Future Outlook and Recommendations

Piotta expresses concern over the FBI's current trajectory, emphasizing the need for cultural and leadership reforms to restore trust and operational effectiveness. He suggests that incoming leadership must decisively address entrenched issues and reinstate the FBI's foundational values of competence and integrity.

• Quote [157:09]:
  Chris Piotta: "I think it's going to be ugly. But he's got to do something because he can't crater the Runway for the guy coming behind him."

10. Conclusion

The conversation concludes with Piotta advocating for a return to the FBI's core mission, free from bureaucratic complacency and political interference. He underscores the importance of rebuilding public trust through actionable reforms and unwavering adherence to the agency's duty to protect and serve.

• Quote [161:18]:
  Andy Stumpf: "When people are in trouble and they're in danger or they need help, the two most trusted organizations are the uniform military or the FBI."

Notable Quotes

• [05:59]
  Chris Piotta: "Man, didn't you guys read the Constitution? Do you not believe in America? Fuck. Everything about that sucks."

• [17:33]
  Andy Stumpf: "We've dodged a bullet, so to speak."

• [45:40]
  Andy Stumpf: "It's about execution."

• [55:08]
  Andy Stumpf: "It's a layering of inconvenience, consequence and economics."

• [93:35]
  Chris Piotta: "That's insane."

Final Remarks

Andy Stumpf wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Chris Piotta's book, "Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew," available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the FBI's historical strengths to inform necessary future reforms.

Where to Find the Book:
"Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew" is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with Andy Stumpf:
Follow Andy on X (formerly Twitter) as @AndyStumpf for updates and insights.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and concluding statements unrelated to the episode's core discussions.