What best describes psychological intimidation?

Psychological intimidation primarily involves the use of non-verbal cues that reflect an individual's attitude and readiness to engage in a situation, particularly one involving authority figures like law enforcement. These cues can include body language, facial expressions, and posture that convey defiance, aggression, or submission. Understanding these non-verbal signals is critical for professionals in detention and law enforcement, as they can indicate a subject's state of mind and potential for conflict or compliance without the need for words.

The other options, while relevant to interactions between subjects and law enforcement, do not capture the essence of psychological intimidation as effectively. Physical aggression involves overt actions rather than mere attitudes, a formal agreement to cooperate indicates a willingness to engage positively rather than intimidation, and written compliance is a form of explicit agreement which lacks the psychological aspect that characterizes intimidation. Hence, non-verbal cues serve as the most accurate descriptor of psychological intimidation.