Protective Custody
Protective custody is a form of administrative segregation where an inmate is separated from the general population for their own safety. Unlike disciplinary segregation in the SHU, protective custody is not a punishment. Inmates in protective custody may have similar communication restrictions as those in the SHU, with limited phone access and fewer visits. Common reasons for protective custody include threats from other inmates, gang-related safety concerns, and cooperation with law enforcement.
What Is Protective Custody?
Protective custody can be voluntary when an inmate requests it for their own safety, or involuntary when the facility places an inmate there based on a safety assessment. Communication restrictions in protective custody vary by facility but are generally more limited than general population.
Families may notice reduced or eliminated calls if their loved one is placed in protective custody. The inmate may not be able to explain the reason for restricted communication. Families can contact the case manager to understand the general situation without receiving specific details.
Related Terms
Explore other glossary terms that are closely connected to this topic.
SHU
SHU stands for Special Housing Unit, which is a segregated area of a correctional facility where inmates are held separately from the general population for disciplinary reasons or for their own protection.
Facility TypesGeneral Population
General population refers to the main housing area of a correctional facility where inmates live and follow the standard daily schedule including meals, recreation, work, and programming.
CommunicationPhone Privilege
Phone privilege refers to an inmate's access to the facility phone system, which can be granted, restricted, or revoked based on behavior and facility rules. Phone access is a privilege rather than a right in correctional facilities. Violations such as attempting three-way calling, using abusive language, or receiving disciplinary sanctions can result in temporary or permanent loss of phone privileges.
AdministrationLockdown
A lockdown is a security measure at a correctional facility where all inmates are confined to their cells and normal activities including phone calls, visits, and programming are suspended.
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is SHU?
SHU stands for Special Housing Unit, which is a segregated area of a correctional facility where inmates are held separately from the general population for disciplinary reasons or for their own protection.
Read full definitionWhat is General Population?
General population refers to the main housing area of a correctional facility where inmates live and follow the standard daily schedule including meals, recreation, work, and programming.
Read full definitionWhat is Phone Privilege?
Phone privilege refers to an inmate's access to the facility phone system, which can be granted, restricted, or revoked based on behavior and facility rules. Phone access is a privilege rather than a right in correctional facilities. Violations such as attempting three-way calling, using abusive language, or receiving disciplinary sanctions can result in temporary or permanent loss of phone privileges.
Read full definitionWhat is Lockdown?
A lockdown is a security measure at a correctional facility where all inmates are confined to their cells and normal activities including phone calls, visits, and programming are suspended.
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