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A Detroit police officer, Matthew Jackson, appeared without pants during a virtual court hearing on Monday (October 27). The incident occurred while Jackson was participating in a videoconference at the 36th District Court in Michigan. He wore his police uniform shirt but lacked trousers, which became apparent when District Court Judge Sean B. Perkins asked, "You got some pants on, officer?" Jackson admitted, "No, sir," and adjusted his camera to show only his upper body.
The hearing, which involved a case of drag racing and disorderly conduct, continued as normal after the initial surprise. Attorney TaTaNisha Reed, representing the defendant, expressed her astonishment, saying, "I was trying to figure it out. Like, am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?"
The Detroit Police Department, known for its emphasis on professionalism, issued an apology for the incident. Police Chief Todd Bettison stated, "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."
The court's dress code prefers "casual business attire" and prohibits shorts, skorts, sleeveless shirts, and other unsuitable clothing for professional settings. The department has assured that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.