What defines active resistance during an interaction with an officer?

Active resistance is defined as behavior that demonstrates a willful refusal to comply with an officer's directives, particularly through physical actions rather than just words. Physically evasive movements to avoid control are a clear manifestation of this, as they directly inhibit an officer's ability to establish control over the individual. This can include actions such as pulling away, dodging, or otherwise moving in a way that prevents the officer from effectively carrying out their duties.

In contrast, verbal compliance would not qualify as active resistance because it indicates cooperation, even if the words used are accompanied by non-compliance in actions. Although verbal threats and direct physical attacks represent forms of resistance, they do not align with the specific definition of active resistance, which is primarily concerned with refusal to comply through evasive movements rather than outright aggression or submission.