What is the definition of passive resistance in the context of criminal justice?

In the context of criminal justice, passive resistance refers to a subject’s verbal and/or physical refusal to comply with an officer’s lawful direction while not actively engaging in physical aggression or struggle. This form of resistance may involve a subject choosing not to move or comply, as opposed to confronting or attacking the officer. For instance, a person might stiffen or go limp when an officer attempts to take them into custody, thus creating a situation where compliance is not achieved without the use of additional force.

Understanding this definition is crucial for law enforcement as it helps officers distinguish between aggressive actions and passive non-compliance, which may require different response strategies. Passive resistance highlights a situation that, while not immediately violent, still poses challenges for law enforcement in terms of compliance and control, necessitating careful and strategic approaches to ensure safety for all parties involved.