Detective’s viral video raises questions
A New York Police Department (NYPD) detective has ignited debate after a video of her pole dancing and twerking surfaced online. Melissa Mercado, a seven-year veteran of the force, appears in a raunchy music video, wearing revealing attire while performing suggestive dance moves. The clip, which quickly gained traction on social media, has left the internet divided.
According to official records, Mercado joined the NYPD in 2018 and currently serves as a grade 3 detective in the Bronx Special Victims Unit, earning an annual salary of $144,000.
Featured in hip-hop video
The controversial footage appears in the music video for “Doin That,” a track by Hempstead rapper S-Quire, whose real name is Phavian Winfield. Although Mercado’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the video, law enforcement sources confirmed to the New York Post that she is indeed the woman in the clip.
Social media reaction: professionalism vs. personal freedom
The video has sparked mixed reactions online. Some critics argue that Mercado, as a law enforcement officer, has a responsibility to uphold the NYPD’s decorum. Others insist that what she does in her personal time should not be subject to scrutiny.
“Whether on duty or not, she has an image to uphold. She obviously does not appreciate her position or line of work,” one social media user commented. Another added, “So, that’s what a New York City Police Detective looks like in 2025. How times have changed. And not necessarily for the better.”
Defending Mercado, one supporter wrote, “What she does in her off time is not any business of the NYPD. People have second jobs. If that’s what she does, so what?”
Potential consequences remain unclear
It is uncertain whether Mercado will face disciplinary action for her participation in the video. However, this is not the first time an NYPD officer has been at the center of a similar controversy.
In 2022, rookie officer Vera Mekuli was caught on camera giving a lap dance to a married superior at a police party. Following the incident, she was reassigned to the transit bureau.
As the debate around Mercado’s video continues, the NYPD has yet to comment on whether her off-duty activities will have any impact on her career.
