What characterizes an active resistor?

An active resistor is characterized by behaviors that indicate a refusal to comply with an officer's requests or commands through physical means. This type of subject actively engages in resistance by using their body to oppose the officer's attempts to gain control or direct them. Such actions can include pulling away, pushing back, or otherwise physically preventing the officer from successfully managing the interaction.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the dynamics of police encounters and the spectrum of resistance. Individuals who do not exhibit these physical behaviors, such as those who comply or offer only verbal resistance without escalating to physical confrontation, do not fit the definition of an active resistor. This helps officers assess the level of threat and determine the appropriate response to ensure safety for both themselves and the subject involved.