Which term describes the level just before Deadly Force/Assault?

• A. Active Resistance
• B. Inactive Resistance
• C. Active Aggression
• D. Passive Resistance

Answer: (C)

Escalation of threat in the force continuum shows movement from non-threatening behavior to violent action. The level just before Deadly Force/Assault is when the person is actively attempting to harm or control you—this is Active Aggression. At this stage the threat has moved beyond simple non-compliance or non-harmful resistance, and their actions indicate a real intent to inflict harm. Passive Resistance and Active Resistance describe non-threatening or non-lethal resistance, and Inactive Resistance isn’t a standard term in this context. So, Active Aggression best fits the description of the step right before deadly force.