What does the term 'active resistance' refer to in the context of the Graham factors?

The term 'active resistance' in the context of the Graham factors refers to actions taken by an individual to evade or resist law enforcement officers during an encounter. This concept is crucial as it helps officers assess the level of force that may be necessary to safely detain a subject. When a person exhibits active resistance, they may engage in behaviors such as fleeing or physically resisting the efforts of an officer to restrain them, which may justify a higher level of response from law enforcement.

Understanding active resistance is essential for officers to evaluate the threat level of a situation and to apply appropriate techniques for control while ensuring safety for all parties involved. This consideration is part of the Graham v. Connor analysis, which emphasizes the reasonableness of the use of force based on the severity of the crime, the immediacy of the threat, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest.