In the described context, resistance escalates to active when the person has the apparent ability to threaten the officer or escape. Which scenario best describes this context?

• A. Verbal Argument
• B. Passive Resistance
• C. Active Resistance with Threat or Escape
• D. Unarmed Self-Defense

Answer: (C)

Resistance levels are categorized by how the person acts and what they show they could do. When someone moves from nonviolent or minimal noncompliance to a level where there’s an apparent ability to threaten the officer or to escape, the situation shifts into active resistance with threat or escape. This scenario fits that shift: the person is actively resisting and also demonstrates the potential to threaten the officer or to break away, which signals a higher risk and a need for response accordingly. Verbal argument is only talking and does not involve physical resistance, so it doesn’t meet the escalation threshold. Passive resistance involves noncompliance without attempts to move or threaten. Unarmed self-defense describes self-protective actions that aren’t about threatening the officer or escaping, so it isn’t the same escalation.