Copyright NBC10 Boston
An officer appearing for a court hearing via Zoom surprised a Michigan judge when he turned his camera on and appeared without pants. In the hearing, which was recorded, Judge Sean Perkins is heard asking Officer Matthew Jackson from the Detroit Police Department to "put your appearance on the record." Jackson then turns his camera on and provides his information to the judge. In the video, he is wearing his uniform top, but appears to be in shorts or boxers. "You got some pants on, officer?" Perkins asks. Jackson then appears on screen again but with his camera no longer showing his bottom half. "No sir," he replies. Perkins then continues with the hearing without addressing the matter further. The 36th District Court's website does not specifically address attire for Zoom appearances, but does say in its dress code policy that "casual business attire is preferred." "Prohibited attire includes shorts (cut-offs), skorts, sleeveless shirts (tank tops), hats/caps (except those worn for cultural or religious purposes) and other clothing which is not suitable in a Court or any other professional environment," the court's website states. The Detroit Police Department said the officer's attire "will be appropriately addressed." “The Detroit Police Department requires its officers to represent themselves in a dignified and professional manner while attending court proceedings” Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison told NBC Chicago in a statement. “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.”
