What does protective custody involve in the context of incapacitated persons?

Protective custody in the context of incapacitated persons is primarily focused on ensuring the individual’s safety and providing the appropriate care they may need. When someone is incapacitated—whether due to intoxication, mental health issues, or other factors—they may be unable to make safe decisions for themselves. The role of law enforcement or emergency responders in such cases is to intervene not just to detain the person but to secure their welfare.

This often involves transporting the incapacitated individual to a treatment facility where they can receive the medical attention, mental health support, or detoxification services they require. The underlying goal is to protect the individual from potential harm or exploitation while ensuring they do not pose a danger to themselves or others.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects that do not directly address the safety and healthcare needs of incapacitated persons. For instance, merely detaining someone for questioning does not ensure their well-being, while mandating a conversation with a lawyer or documenting the incident does not provide immediate protection or support for the individual.