Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is the most prevalent type of resistance encountered when handcuffing an individual?

1. Active resistance

2. Passive resistance

3. Verbal resistance

4. Physical resistance

The correct answer is: Passive resistance

The most prevalent type of resistance encountered when handcuffing an individual is passive resistance. This occurs when a person refuses to cooperate with law enforcement, making it difficult for the officer to control the situation. While the individual may not be physically confronting the officer, they may simply go limp or not comply with commands to place their hands behind their back. This can create challenges for officers, as it may require additional physical effort to secure the subject without escalating the situation. Active resistance, on the other hand, involves a more aggressive stance where the individual might attempt to physically flee or actively fight against the officer. This type of resistance is less common in routine handcuffing situations compared to passive resistance, where individuals may comply to a degree but still refuse to cooperate fully. Verbal resistance involves argumentative or defiant communication but does not typically prevent handcuffing. Physical resistance specifically refers to actions taken to resist or escape, which are also less frequent compared to the more common issue of passive resistance during arrests or detentions.