What is protective custody (pc)?

Protective custody is where the inmate is perceived to be in some danger in the general population of inmates. The area where PC takes place is the SHU... in administrative segregation in isolation and completed cut of from other inmates.

Many administrators believe the level of violence, or the underlying threat of violence within prisons or jails, is the main factor causing the need for these units. Inmates have the opportunity to request protective custody if they get the impression that the environment they are living in is harmful to their well-being. Officials ultimately will assess whether to rule that the inmate is truly at risk and grant then their request. 

Jail and prison officials learn to know of the characteristics and signs of inmates that may need protective custody. Inmates such as first time offenders, young offenders, transgender offenders, or high profile offenders are all inmates who would potentially qualify for PC. The reason is these types of inmates are at a higher risk of being harmed or killed by the inmates because of their status or orientation. Also celebrities or ex law enforcement officials may also be candidates for protective custody.