Detective Melissa Mercado, a seasoned seven-year veteran of the NYPD, has found herself in the spotlight—not for her police work, but for an unexpected role as a music video vixen. Mercado, a Bronx Special Victims Unit (SVU) detective, is making waves online after starring in rapper S-Quire’s latest video, Doin That, where she swaps her badge and uniform for a daring ensemble consisting of a bra and G-string.
The video, directed by Picture Perfect and distributed by WorldStarHipHop, premiered in early February but only recently exploded in popularity. Fans quickly recognized Mercado twerking on stage in an empty bar as S-Quire rapped about nightlife and pole dancing. The controversial clip has since gone viral, amassing over a million views and sparking debate over whether a law enforcement officer should engage in such entertainment ventures.
Dancing Detective: Balancing Law and Personal Life
Mercado doesn’t just make a brief cameo—she is a central figure in the video. Beyond the club scene, she is seen provocatively dancing in a VIP section and lounging on a bed in lingerie. While some see her participation as harmless self-expression, others argue that such an appearance could undermine the credibility of the NYPD and her role in handling sensitive SVU cases.
Despite the backlash, Mercado does not appear to have violated any department rules. According to The New York Post, she earns approximately $144,000 per year as an NYPD detective, and a police union source defended her, emphasizing that she is a skilled officer. “As long as she isn’t breaking the law, how she spends her free time is her business,” the source stated.
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The NYPD patrol guide sets behavioral guidelines that caution against actions that could discredit the department. However, it does not explicitly prohibit officers from engaging in personal entertainment projects. Whether her role in Doin That will lead to internal scrutiny depends on whether the department believes it affects public trust or conflicts with her responsibilities within the SVU.
Public Reaction and Departmental Response
Unsurprisingly, Mercado’s video appearance has divided opinions. Supporters argue that law enforcement officers should be allowed to express themselves outside of work, while critics believe her participation in a racy music video is unbecoming of an NYPD detective—especially one assigned to sensitive cases involving victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
However, as of now, the NYPD has not announced any formal investigation or disciplinary action against Mercado. Police unions continue to back her, emphasizing that she has not committed any infractions. Unless new information emerges suggesting misconduct or conflict of interest, Mercado appears to be in the clear—though the viral nature of the video ensures she remains under public and departmental scrutiny.
Boosting Views and Industry Attention
While Detective Mercado remains silent on the controversy, the unexpected exposure has undeniably boosted the video’s reach. Doin That has surpassed a million views, with the numbers continuing to climb. Rapper S-Quire has yet to publicly comment on the buzz surrounding Mercado’s involvement, but the attention has worked in his favor, drawing significant engagement to the track.
As the debate continues, Mercado’s case highlights the ongoing discussion about personal freedom versus professional responsibility, particularly for those serving in public roles. Whether this incident will have long-term consequences for her career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Detective Mercado’s name is now firmly etched into the intersection of law enforcement and pop culture.
