A Zoom call took an unexpected turn when a police officer was seen without pants during a virtual court hearing.
The incident unfolded this week in Detroit’s 36th District Court, where a woman was being charged with drag racing.
Presiding over the hearing was District Court Judge Sean Perkins. Present on the Zoom call were the defendant, her lawyer, and Officer Matthew Jackson from the Detroit Police Department’s 12th Precinct.
The defendant had just agreed to a plea deal for charges of drag racing and disorderly conduct, which would result in other charges being dropped. Judge Perkins then addressed the officer.
“Officer Jackson? Good morning. Could you please state your appearance for the record?” Perkins inquired.
Officer Jackson responded by raising his hand and introducing himself. The camera displayed him wearing his uniform shirt and badge.
That initial view of Jackson also showed his bare legs, without his uniform pants.
The defense attorney, whom one of the next camera views showed, was seen with a puzzled look on her face.
The camera view went back to the judge, who appears to have noticed the camera monitor at his desk.
“You got some pants on, officer?” the judge asked in response.
Jackson repositioned his camera closer to his face and began to say, “Sir, they’re in the …” Then he broke off that sentence and said, “No, sir.”
The judge then quickly pivoted the discussion towards the defendant, calling her name and continuing the proceedings.
The dress code for the 36th District Court says casual business attire is preferred.
The dress code prohibits wearing shorts, cutoffs, skorts “and other clothing which is not suitable in a court or any other professional environment” for a hearing.
In the aftermath of the uniform view â and subsequent attention to the video â Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison issued a statement.
“The Detroit Police Department requires its officers to represent themselves in a dignified and professional manner while attending court proceedings,” he said.
“The involved officer’s actions are not representative of the professionalism of this department and will be appropriately addressed to maintain the public confidence and efficient operation of this department.
“Our apologies are hereby extended to the judges and staff of the court, as well as anyone else who may have been in attendance during this incident.”
As for the hearing, the defendant’s charge was amended from reckless driving. She pleaded guilty and was fined $US240 upon the conclusion of the hearing, court records show.
