What does custody involve according to the provided definitions?

Custody, as defined in legal contexts, specifically relates to the care and protection that a police officer has over an individual. This concept implies that when someone is in police custody, they do not have the freedom to leave and are under the control and supervision of law enforcement. The essence of custody is about the authority and responsibility that comes with protecting and managing the behavior of the individual who is being detained for questioning or for further legal proceedings.

In contrast, the other options describe aspects that are not directly related to the inherent meaning of custody. For example, being free to leave clearly indicates a lack of custody since custody entails restriction of movement. Obtaining legal representation and being charged with an offense, while relevant to the broader legal process, do not define custody itself but rather involve steps taken within the framework of dealing with legal proceedings. Thus, the definition of custody is best captured by the notion of care and protection by a police officer.