What is the difference between "passive resistance" and "active resistance"?

The distinction between passive resistance and active resistance primarily centers on the level and type of compliance exhibited by an individual in response to law enforcement or authority. Passive resistance refers to a non-violent refusal to comply with an officer's demands, characterized by an individual's lack of physical movement or action. This can manifest in behaviors such as refusing to walk, lying on the ground, or remaining silent—essentially embodying a form of non-cooperation without engaging in any physical struggle.

On the other hand, active resistance escalates this interaction; it involves an individual taking deliberate physical action to resist or evade law enforcement efforts. This can include fleeing from an officer, physically fighting back, or employing evasive maneuvers to escape detention. Active resistance represents a more direct and aggressive form of non-compliance compared to the passive approach, which is more about inaction rather than active defiance.

Understanding this difference is crucial in defensive tactics, as it helps officers develop appropriate response strategies based on the nature of the resistance displayed by an individual.