protective custody

noun

detention of a person by the police solely as protection against a possible attack or reprisal by someone.

Origin of protective custody

1935-1940

First recorded in 1935-40

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Examples from the Web for protective custody

Contemporary Examples

Both girls are now in protective custody and receiving counseling for their ordeal and addiction to the easy money.

Mussolini Family Tied to Underage Sex Ring Barbie Latza Nadeau March 12, 2014
Cohen asked that his client at least be placed in protective custody.

The 9/11 Scam: New York’s Disability Disgrace Michael Daly January 8, 2014
“The child is in good condition and in protective custody,” Chief Cathy Lanier of the Washington, D.C., Police later reported.

What Pushed Miriam Carey to a Capitol Hill Tragedy? Michael Daly October 4, 2013
Calabro is unreachable in protective custody and has no blog of his own with which to respond.

Meet the Mafia’s First Blogger, Tommy Gioeli Michael Daly March 30, 2012

Historical Examples

They then left him to the care of the prison doctor in protective custody.

Games Katherine MacLean

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