Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith feels people are confused about the real purpose of the State Of Emergency, which is now in effect.

At a news conference yesterday Commissioner Griffith said over 250,000 requests were made for curfew passes.

The number of requests changed to over 300,000 later in the afternoon.

Commissioner Griffith said while some groups may have gotten passes during the last SOE in 2011, this one is different in nature.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley declared the State Of Emergency last Saturday.

The President of the Republic proclaimed it last Sunday evening.

The SOE is in effect because of the rising COVID-19 deaths and infections in recent weeks.

Commissioner Griffith also said police officers will use their discretion in certain circumstances.