Washington State Correctional Officer Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of aggressive resistance?

1. Non-verbal cues

2. Compliance and cooperation

3. Use of verbal and physical threats

4. Complete surrender

The correct answer is: Use of verbal and physical threats

Aggressive resistance is marked by the use of verbal and physical threats, which demonstrates a refusal to comply with authority or instructions. This type of resistance often involves overt and confrontational behaviors, where the individual may verbally challenge or threaten an officer and may escalate to physical actions that aim to intimidate or harm. Such behaviors are indicative of a heightened emotional state where an individual feels cornered or threatened and reacts with aggression rather than submission or cooperation. In contrast, other characteristics like non-verbal cues may be present but do not define aggressive resistance in the same manner. Compliance and cooperation reflect the opposite of resistance, while complete surrender suggests a lack of opposition, further distinguishing aggressive resistance from other forms of behavior. Thus, the use of verbal and physical threats stands out as a defining trait of aggressive resistance.