Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of defensive resistance?

The correct choice indicates that causing harm to the officer is not a characteristic of defensive resistance. Defensive resistance refers to actions taken by individuals to prevent law enforcement from establishing control over them without actively seeking to harm the officer.

Characteristics of defensive resistance typically include attempts to evade or evade control methods, the involvement of physical movements or actions that are aimed at resisting control, and the nature of these actions as responses to an officer's attempts to exert control. Therefore, while defensive resistance might include physical actions or be a response to attempts at control, it does not inherently imply that it causes harm to the officer. The focus is generally on the resistance itself and not on inflicting injury.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for law enforcement officers, as it helps them to recognize the difference between defensive resistance and more aggressive behaviors that might warrant different tactical responses. This recognition can assist officers in appropriately assessing situations and determining the best course of action during encounters with individuals who are resisting control.