Detroit officer in virtual court without pants prompts internal probe

A Detroit police officer attended a virtual court hearing on Oct. 27 wearing his uniform shirt but no trousers, prompting a judge to ask whether he had any pants on and launching an internal probe by the police department. Officer Matthew Jackson appeared on camera during a 36th District Court proceeding in which a woman faced charges of drag racing and disorderly conduct. When Judge Sean Perkins called him to the screen, Perkins asked, "You got some pants on, sir?" Jackson replied no and adjusted his camera so his lower half was no longer visible.

The exchange drew immediate attention in the virtual courtroom. Attorney TaTaNisha Reed, who represented the defendant, said she was stunned and questioned whether she was seeing what she thought she was. Despite the distraction, the judge moved forward and the defendant accepted a plea agreement during the hearing.

The Detroit Police Department said it is investigating the incident and reiterated that officers are required to "represent themselves in a dignified and professional manner while attending court proceedings." Chief Todd Bettison said the officer's actions "are not representative of the professionalism of this department...