In a confrontation, if a suspect resists by arming himself with a tool, what type of resistance is he displaying?

When a suspect arms himself with a tool during a confrontation, he is exhibiting a level of resistance that falls under the category of using weapons against the officer. This type of resistance indicates a serious escalation in the threat level, as the suspect is not merely resisting compliance but potentially posing an immediate physical danger to the officer and others present.

In law enforcement encounters, resistance can be classified into various levels, and the introduction of a weapon significantly raises the stakes. It shifts the dynamic from a verbal or physical struggle of lesser degrees to one where the suspect has the ability to inflict serious harm.

The other forms of resistance mentioned, such as striking, kicking, or wrestling, represent different levels of confrontation but do not involve the added risk that comes from a suspect equipping himself with a weapon. Refusing to move, while a form of passive resistance, does not constitute an active threat and is less severe than the use of a weapon.

Understanding the various types of resistance is critical for officers, allowing them to assess the situation more accurately and react accordingly to ensure their safety and the safety of others.