Which term describes verbal resistance and jaw/hand clenching?

• A. Inactive resistance
• B. Passive resistance
• C. Active resistance
• D. Verbal resistance

Answer: (A)

Verbal resistance paired with visible physical tension—jaw clenching and hands tightening—signals an overt, intentional attempt to oppose the officer’s direction. This combination is best described as active resistance because the person is not only talking back but also showing physical cues that indicate unwillingness to comply. Passive resistance would involve nonverbal noncompliance without such forceful signs, and verbal resistance alone would be limited to words without the added muscle tension. Inactive resistance isn’t a standard term used for this behavior, so the observed cues clearly point to active resistance.