Police officers often use the word “forthwith” when giving commands or instructions. For example, an officer may say “Step out of the vehicle forthwith” during a traffic stop. Or they may instruct a suspect to “produce identification forthwith.”
The word forthwith has a very specific meaning – it means immediately, without delay, or right away. When police say forthwith, they are communicating that compliance is not optional and must be carried out promptly.
Some key reasons why police rely on this terminology include:
Establishing Authority
Using forthwith establishes the officer’s authority and reinforces the legitimacy of their command. It makes clear that obedience is required and expected. This authoritative tone is central to the police mandate to maintain public order and enforce laws.
Achieving Compliance
By being direct and unambiguous, saying forthwith aims to increase the likelihood that the instruction will be followed. The word choice compels compliance by conveying that the officer’s direction is not a request but a requirement.
Standardized Language
Forthwith is an established term in police vocabulary. Its consistent use across different forces and situations ensures mutual understanding during police interactions. Both officers and civilians know what is meant when forthwith is used.
Swift Action
During urgent situations like arrests, pursuits, or public disturbances, police need to take control swiftly. Using forthwith urges rapid compliance and reaction from civilians. This allows officers to quickly secure scenes and ensure public safety.
Reflexive Response
With extensive police training, forthwith prompts almost a reflexive response to follow orders. The familiar word choice eliminates hesitation during tense encounters. Officers rely on this conditioned response to maintain control of volatile situations.
History of Forthwith
While forthwith may sound like obscure jargon, its use can be traced back centuries through policing and legal language. Understanding its origins provides insight into why police continue using it today.
Etymology
The term forthwith dates back to Old English in the 8th century CE. It combines the words for “forth” and “with” to create an adverb indicating immediate departure or action. This etymology perfectly encapsulates the meaning of acting right away that police still rely on.
Legal Precedent
By the Middle Ages, forthwith appeared routinely in English law and statutes to denote promptness. Its legal origins lend the term authority that police today utilize during enforcement proceedings. For example, arrest warrants still stipulate that suspects shall be brought forthwith before a judge.
Formal Language
Historically, forthwith has been associated with formal language, especially in official proclamations and pronouncements. This formality transfers to police as civilian representatives of the state and the law. It distinguishes their commands from everyday requests.
Military Influence
The rise of professional policing in the 18th-19th centuries adopted much language from military protocol and discipline. Forthwith fit the need to issue unambiguous orders to be followed without question by subordinates. This paramilitary culture persists in modern policing.
Regional Differences
While forthwith is common police vocabulary across Anglophone countries, regional differences exist in how frequently it is used. These variations reflect local police practices and public attitudes.
Britain
British police use forthwith regularly in line with the nation’s long history of policing by consent. The public expects this formal diction from officers and compliance remains high.
North America
American and Canadian police use forthwith more selectively depending on contexts. Some communities respond poorly to overly imperious language from officers. Situational awareness is needed regarding vocabulary.
Australia/New Zealand
Forthwith is falling out of favor with police in Australia and New Zealand. More casual language is favored as part of community policing efforts aiming to demonstrate approachability.
India
Indian police still rely heavily on forthwith as a colonial legacy. Government reports have criticized the word choice as antiquated and recommended modernizing police language and conduct.
Police Commands Using Forthwith
While flexible in application, forthwith remains common in the following police commands:
Traffic Stops
Produce your license and registration forthwith.
Step out of the vehicle forthwith.
You are being detained, place your hands on the hood forthwith.
Arrests
You are under arrest, turn around and put your hands behind your back forthwith.
Cease resisting and comply with my instructions forthwith.
Get on the ground forthwith.
Managing Crowds
Disperse forthwith or you will be arrested.
Stop obstructing traffic flow forthwith.
Return to the sidewalk forthwith.
Securing Crime Scenes
Stand back behind the tape forthwith.
Stop contaminating my crime scene forthwith.
Forthwith I need all witnesses to remain here and provide a statement.
Other Situations
Produce identification forthwith.
Stop recording and leave forthwith.
You are trespassing, depart the premises forthwith.
Why Some Criticize Forthwith
While an accepted policing convention, forthwith also attracts criticism from some quarters:
Sounds Antiquated
Forthwith is perceived by some as archaic language that sounds outdated when used by modern police forces. It seems incongruous with efforts to increase community rapport and transparency.
Too Authoritarian
Civil liberty groups argue forthwith represents an overly authoritarian attitude from police. It projects expectations of unquestioning obedience that undermine constructive relations between officers and the public.
Needless Aggression
Particularly when shouted, forthwith can communicate unnecessary aggression. In tense situations, this can unintentionally provoke rather than defuse volatility. More neutral language may achieve better outcomes.
Resistance to Change
Some analysts believe abolishing forthwith faces resistance because it deviates from entrenched police cultural norms. Younger academy recruits continue learning it, preventing evolution in practices.
Context Dependent
Critics emphasize forthwith may be appropriate in certain serious circumstances but becomes problematic when over-utilized. Wider training is required on when forthwith is truly needed versus excessive.
Police Perspectives on Forthwith
Despite drawbacks perceived by some, police officers argue forthwith remains useful and relevant:
Clarity of Meaning
In high pressure situations, forthwith provides clarity through universally understood vocabulary. More colloquial phrasing risks confusion or misinterpretation of urgent commands.
Emphasizing Compliance
Particularly when confronting resistant suspects, forthwith stresses the non-optional nature of obeying police authority. More casual language can undermine the force of orders.
Officer Safety
Forthwith quickly compels actions that remove threats and make officers safer. When officers’ personal security is imperiled, forthwith may elicit the swiftest possible compliance.
Prevention of Escalation
During conflicts, forthwith aims to achieve obedience and deescalate tense situations before violence occurs. Police view this as protecting all participants.
Habit and Training
With forthwith so deeply ingrained from the academy onwards, officers argue it becomes second nature in the field. Altering such reflexive vocabulary presents practical challenges for police.
Conclusion
The longevity of forthwith in policing indicates it continues serving important functions for officers on the job. Yet, with appropriate training and oversight, forthwith could likely be employed more judiciously based on contexts. Finding the right balance would require openness to evolving language while respecting policing imperatives in risky situations. Through this compromise, forthwith could remain available when truly needed while preventing indiscriminate overuse. With constructive engagement between police leadership and the public, vocabularies could be tailored to suit both groups’ modern needs and perspectives.