A seven-year veteran of the NYPD, Detective Melissa Mercado has come under the spotlight after appearing in Hempstead rapper S-Quire’s music video for his track Doin That. The video, published by World Hip Hop in February, showcases Mercado pole dancing, twerking, and flaunting her figure while wearing revealing attire, including a thong and bra.
NYPD Melissa Mercado is currently facing backlash for pole dancing in a music video and now the 7 year detective could possibly lose her job 👀
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Officials Weigh In on Mercado’s Viral Video
While the music video does not explicitly name the detective, law enforcement sources confirmed her identity to the New York Post. Despite the controversy, some within the police force argue that her off-duty activities are not a direct reflection of her professional conduct.
A police union representative defended her actions, stating, "What she’s doing has nothing to do with her job as an NYPD detective." They emphasized that Mercado was not wearing any NYPD-related clothing or identifying herself as law enforcement in the video.
However, the representative added that if she was earning money from the appearance, she would have been required to submit an off-duty employment application for approval by the department.
Criticism from Former NYPD Officials
Not everyone in law enforcement shares the same viewpoint. Retired NYPD Special Victims Division Chief Michael Osgood criticized Mercado’s actions, stating:
“There’s a belief that what you do off duty is your business, but I find this conduct unbecoming of a police officer—especially for a Special Victims detective.”
Retired NYPD officer Eric Sanders also weighed in, arguing that Mercado’s behavior contradicts the values and professional standards expected from law enforcement, particularly those investigating sensitive cases.
"The department must conduct a thorough review of this detective’s conduct, caseload, and overall fitness for duty to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence in its officers," Sanders told the Daily Mail.
Police Community Reacts to Her Moonlighting Gig
Fellow detectives have reportedly been divided in their reactions, with some questioning her "side hustle" while others stand by her record as an officer.
One police source defended Mercado, describing her as a dedicated officer who has “made some good arrests” and is “respected by her peers.”
Who is Detective Melissa Mercado?
According to public records, Mercado is a Grade 3 detective earning $144,000 annually, assigned to the Bronx Special Victims Unit. She joined the NYPD in 2018.
Rapper S-Quire, whose music video brought her into the limelight, told the Daily Mail that the footage was shot in 2022 at Club Vanity in NYC. He described Mercado as a "friend" he met through Picture Perfect, adding that he was unaware of her career in law enforcement.
"She doesn’t seem like a detective. When you think of detectives, you think of ‘Special Victims Unit’ on TV. She just wanted to help me bring my vision to life."
Will Mercado Face Disciplinary Action?
As Mercado’s viral moment continues to make waves, it remains uncertain whether the NYPD will take disciplinary action.
The department has not yet made an official statement regarding whether her music video appearance violates internal policies. However, given the backlash from retired officials and ongoing public debate, her future in the force may soon be under review.