US EditionDetroit Officer Takes Part in Hearing, Pantsless
Officer Matthew Jackson wore only his uniform shirt and boxers during a Zoom hearing, prompting an apology from Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison and a promise to address the incident.
- On October 27, 2025, Officer Matthew Jackson appeared via Zoom in the 36th District Court for a reckless driving and public intoxication hearing, wearing his police shirt and badge but no pants.
- The court's published dress guidance frames expectations for virtual and in-person hearings, preferring casual business attire and prohibiting shorts, skorts, sleeveless shirts, and hats/caps in a professional courtroom environment.
- In the courtroom livestream the judge appeared surprised but kept the hearing moving as Judge Sean Perkins noticed the situation and Officer Matthew Jackson adjusted his camera to show only his upper body.
- In a statement Wednesday the Detroit Police Department apologized and said it is investigating, while 36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico said Judge Perkins called Officer Jackson `a very professional police officer` and found the incident `a little bit stunning`.
- Clips of the hearing have gone viral online, drawing more than 683,000 views as of Wednesday afternoon during a drag racing-related case where the defendant accepted a plea.
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"Are you wearing pants, officer?" the judge asked the uniformed officer in surprise, with Jackson responding calmly, "Your honor, it's in... no sir."
Detroit officer takes part in hearing, pantsless
The incident happened in Judge Sean Perkins' courtroom this week. Despite being stunned, he did not skip a beat. The head judge over at the 36th District told FOX 2 that Perkins often has that patented look. Metro Detroiters may remember the peanut butter and jelly mom, who was also in a robe.
Long arm of the law forgets to reach for his pants
A Zoom call has captured a police officer without his pants as he identified himself for a virtual hearing.The scenario happened earlier this week during a hearing in Detroit's 36th District Court, where a woman faced a charge of drag racing.District Court Judge Sean Perkins was seen at his bench. The defendant, her attorney and Officer Matthew Jackson from the Detroit Police Department's 12th Precinct were all participating virtually via Zoom.R…
Hawaii News Now
KCRG‘You got some pants on?’: Judge shocked as officer joins court meeting over Zoom without wearing pants
A Michigan judge was left stunned during a court hearing over Zoom when a Detroit officer joined the call wearing no pants, according to local media.
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