Police custody refers to the temporary detention and care of an individual by law enforcement officials. This means that a person has been taken into police control, usually because they are suspected of having committed a crime or because there is reason to believe that their actions pose a threat to themselves or others. During this time, the individual may be questioned, searched, and have any evidence collected against them. The duration of police custody varies depending on the circumstances, but it typically lasts until the investigation into the incident has been completed.