Which is the third level of subject action on the Totality of the circumstances chart?

• A. Deadly Force/Assault
• B. Passive Resistance
• C. Active Resistance
• D. Inactive Resistance

Answer: (C)

Understanding the levels of subject action on the Totality of the Circumstances chart helps you gauge how much force is appropriate as resistance increases. The third level is Active Resistance. This is when the subject is actively trying to defeat control or break contact—pulling away, twisting, pushing, shoving, or moving to flee. It’s more serious than simply standing still or refusing to comply, but it does not involve an imminent deadly threat.

The reason Active Resistance fits as the third level is that it requires a more proactive response to regain control while keeping force proportional and focused on safety. You escalate from lower levels like inactive or passive resistance, which involve little or no movement, toward higher levels only when necessary. Deadly Force/Assault would be considered only if there’s an imminent threat of serious harm, which isn’t indicated by Active Resistance.