Detroit Officer Pantsless in Zoom Court Hearing

Detroit police Officer Matthew Jackson appeared on a 36th District Court Zoom hearing on Oct. 27 wearing his uniform shirt but no pants—only boxers—during a woman's hearing on drag racing/reckless-driving-related charges. Judge Sean Perkins asked, “You got some pants on, officer?” after which Jackson admitted he did not and adjusted his camera to hide his lower half; the judge proceeded and the defendant accepted a plea. The clip went viral, prompting an apology from Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison and an internal investigation by the Detroit Police Department. 36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico and other colleagues said the appearance was surprising and out of character for Jackson. The incident highlighted oddities of virtual proceedings and how quickly such moments circulate online.