Which scenario best illustrates escalation to active resistance?

• A. The subject becomes fully compliant and stops resisting.
• B. The subject verbally refuses but remains still.
• C. The subject braces or pulls away when the officer grips the arm.
• D. The subject simply ignores commands.

Answer: (C)

Escalation to active resistance happens when someone shifts from nonphysical or minimal resistance to actually resisting the put hold or control attempts. In this scenario, once the officer takes hold of the arm, the subject braces or pulls away. That physical movement shows active resistance—the person is actively opposing the officer’s control, which can escalate if not managed appropriately.

Verbal refusal while staying still is a form of non-physical or passive resistance, not active resistance. Fully compliant behavior would mean the person accepts the control and stops resisting. Ignoring commands is noncompliant but not necessarily resistance in a physical sense.