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Detroit Police Open Review After Officer Appears Pantsless in Zoom Court

An internal review follows a public apology from the chief over the breach of court decorum.

Overview

  • Video from Detroit's 36th District Court shows Officer Matthew Jackson in a uniform shirt and badge but without pants during a virtual hearing.
  • Judge Sean Perkins asked, “You got some pants on, officer?” and Jackson replied, “No, sir,” before moving his camera out of view of his lower body.
  • Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison called the behavior inconsistent with department standards and issued an apology to the court.
  • The department opened an internal investigation and said officers will be reminded of proper attire for court appearances.
  • The hearing continued as the defendant pleaded guilty to an amended charge and was fined $240, while court leadership described Jackson as usually professional and clips of the exchange spread widely online.