In custody vs control, which statement accurately contrasts the two concepts?

• A. Custody is the physical possession; control is the authority to use and manage the item within policies
• B. Custody is the authority to use; control is the physical possession
• C. They are the same concept
• D. Custody is physical possession; control is the authority to use and manage the item within policies

Answer: (A)

Custody vs control distinguishes physical possession from policy-based authority over an item. Custody means you have the item in your physical possession, like holding, storing, or being responsible for the item in a location. Control means you have the authority to use and manage the item within established policies and procedures, including accountability and safeguarding. This separation matters because you can be in possession of an item (custody) without having the right or permission to use it (control), and vice versa. The statement that reflects this correctly says custody is physical possession while control is the authority to use and manage the item under policy. The other options mix up which term implies possession versus authority, or claim they are the same, which doesn’t align with how accountability and usage rights are structured.