What type of management status is protective management?

The designation of protective management is primarily established to safeguard individuals, particularly inmates, from potential harm posed by others within a correctional facility. This management status is crucial in scenarios where an inmate may be at risk due to their background, actions, or circumstances that put them in danger from the general inmate population. By ensuring that those in protective management are housed separately or receive enhanced safety measures, correctional facilities can serve their duty to maintain safety and security for all inmates.

In this context, the primary goal is not to punish or rehabilitate but to ensure the safety and well-being of those who may face threats from other inmates. This type of management stands apart from administrative confinement, which generally addresses self-protection or solitary confinement based on behavioral issues. Therefore, the designation as a special status for the protection of an inmate effectively highlights the focus on preventing harm rather than imposing disciplinary actions.