A subject is actively fighting an officer. What is the level of resistance according to the MCOLES subject control continuum?

• A. Active resistance
• B. Active aggression
• C. Passive resistance
• D. Compliance controls

Answer: (B)

Understanding the MCOLES subject control continuum means matching the subject’s actions to the level of force that is reasonably necessary to stop the threat. If a subject is actively fighting an officer, they are engaging in violent, attack-like behavior intended to injure or overpower, which fits the level described as active aggression. This is more severe than active resistance, which involves physical resistance but not violence toward the officer, and more severe than passive resistance or compliance, which involve nonviolent behavior or yielding. So, actively fighting is best labeled as active aggression because the behavior is violent and aimed at the officer.