It’s fair to assume that over the years, a court judge encounters numerous unusual situations. However, for one Detroit judge, a police officer showing up to a hearing without trousers was unprecedented.
During a recent Zoom case, Judge Sean Perkins of the 36th District Court found himself at a loss for words when Officer Matthew Jackson attended wearing just his uniform shirt and boxer briefs.
The judge immediately addressed Jackson’s attire, asking, “You got some pants on, sir?” Jackson admitted he did not and promptly adjusted the camera to hide his underwear from view.
The incident has prompted the Detroit Police Department to conduct an investigation and emphasize the importance of proper court etiquette to their officers. This incident has also sparked reactions from other judges and police department members.
The 36th District Court website outlines a dress code for court attendees, applicable both in-person and virtually. Expected attire includes casual business wear, with items like shorts, skorts, tank tops, hats, and caps barred unless for religious or cultural reasons.
Prohibited items also extend to anything considered inappropriate for a court or professional environment.
Reflecting on the incident, Chief Judge William McConico of the 36th District Court shared with ABC7 his conversation with Judge Perkins: “I spoke with Judge Perkins, because I wanted to know, you know, what went through his mind with how he handled the case. He was stunned, obviously. He was shocked. Officer Jackson is a person he’s known.
“He wanted to stress to me that Officer Jackson is a very professional police officer, he’s always been very courteous to the citizens, and that’s why it was a little bit stunning,” he added.
Attorney TaTaNisha Reed, present during the hearing, was equally taken aback, telling ABC7: “I was trying to figure it out. Like, am I seeing what I think I’m seeing? Especially with a police officer.”
Following the blunder, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison expressed the department’s serious stance on the matter, stating: “The Detroit Police Department requires its officers to represent themselves in a dignified and professional manner while attending court proceedings.
“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.”