As required by the 2006 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization, the OIG issues a report reviewing the FBI’s use of NSLs from 2000 to 2005. The report finds that the FBI “misused NSLs in violation of applicable NSL statutes, Attorney General Guidelines, and internal FBI policies.” In addition, the number of NSLs issued increased dramatically after the passage of the PATRIOIT Act, from 8,500 in 2000 to more than 47,000 in 2005. Reported violations include the use of “exigent letters,” which avoid the NSL statutory requirements by improperly invoking exceptions that apply only in emergencies.