New FBI "emergency" procedures allow agents to request phone records verbally and no longer require that the agents follow-up with a grand jury subpoena.

In the past, agents were required to make such requests in writing and then follow-up with a grand jury subpoena. Very often, according to a report from the Justice Department's Inspector General, agents failed to do any such follow-up.

The report also documents many cases of FBI agents claiming "emergency" circumstances for such requests where no emergency existed. Instead of cracking down on agents, the FBI has decided to lift any semblance of due process by changing the rules to legitimize their illegal practices.

Source:

• FBI Issues New Rules For Getting Phone Records