Melissa Mercado, a detective with the New York Police Department (NYPD), has found herself at the center of a heated debate after her appearance in a provocative music video went viral. The seven-year veteran of the force is seen pole dancing and gyrating in a video for the song “Doin That,” by Hempstead rapper S-Quire, whose real name is Phavian Winfield.
The performance, which showcases Mercado in a thong and skimpy bra, has sparked significant controversy online, with many questioning her professional image as an NYPD officer. Mercado joined the NYPD in 2018 and currently holds the position of grade 3 detective in the Bronx Special Victims Unit, earning a salary of $144,000 annually.
Though Mercado’s name is not directly mentioned in the music video, her identity was quickly confirmed by law enforcement officers to the New York Post. The video features her performing a sensual pole dance routine, which some have found offensive given her position in law enforcement.
Social Media Divided Over Controversial Performance
As the video began circulating on social media, reactions from the public were split. Some users felt that as a police officer, Mercado had a responsibility to maintain the decorum associated with her position, even in her private time. “Whether on duty or not, she has an image to uphold. She obviously does not appreciate her position or line of work,” said one critic. Another user expressed concern, saying, “So, that’s what a New York City Police Detective looks like in 2025. How times have changed. And not necessarily for the better.
On the other side of the debate, there were defenders who argued that Mercado’s personal life should not be scrutinized. “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?” one user wrote. Supporters of Mercado believe that her private life should remain separate from her professional life, especially when the video was produced outside of her duties as a detective.
A Pattern of Controversy Within the NYPD
This isn’t the first time an NYPD officer has sparked controversy over behavior outside of their professional role. In 2022, rookie officer Vera Mekuli was filmed giving a lap dance to a married officer during a police party. After the video went viral, Mekuli was transferred to the transit bureau. These incidents raise questions about how the NYPD manages officers’ behavior when they’re off-duty and whether actions like these could affect their careers.
While it’s still unclear whether Mercado will face any official consequences for her appearance in the video, the attention surrounding her performance has ignited a larger conversation about the boundaries between personal and professional conduct for law enforcement officers. For some, the issue is one of maintaining a professional image, while others believe that officers, like any other individuals, should be allowed to enjoy their personal lives without judgment.
The NYPD has yet to comment on whether they will take disciplinary action against Mercado, but as the debate rages on, the video continues to attract attention, with the internet divided on whether her actions were inappropriate or simply a personal choice.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Melissa Mercado’s pole dancing performance in the music video serves as a reminder of the growing tension between public and private life, especially for those in positions of authority. While some feel that her actions undermine the professionalism expected of law enforcement officers, others argue that everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves outside of work. As the NYPD navigates this controversy, it is clear that discussions about boundaries, respect, and personal choice will continue to evolve in the age of social media.
