Off-Duty Conduct: NYPD Detective Under Fire for Raunchy Pole-Dancing Video

A detective from the NYPD's special victims unit is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Melissa Mercado, a seven-year veteran of the force, has found herself at the center of a media storm after appearing in a provocative pole-dancing video that has gone viral.

The video, featured in a music clip by Hempstead rapper S-Quire, showcases Mercado in a revealing outfit, dancing and twerking while wearing only a thong and a skimpy bra. The clip, titled "Doin That," has caught the attention of many, including her fellow officers, with one detective expressing disbelief, stating, "I have no words."

In the music video, S-Quire, whose real name is Phavian Winfield, raps about a girl named Keisha, describing her as "thick" and expressing a desire to "smash it quick." He also comments on Mercado's performance, saying, "I like the way she’s doing that, the way she’s sliding up the pole."

Mercado, who earns an annual salary of $144,000 as a grade 3 detective in the Bronx, joined the NYPD in 2018. Although she is not explicitly named in the video, law enforcement sources have confirmed her identity, and the video has been circulating among her colleagues.

Reactions within the department have been mixed. Some officers believe that Mercado's off-duty activities should not reflect on her role as a detective. A police union source stated, "What she’s doing really has nothing to do with her as an employee, as an NYC detective. She’s not wearing NYPD paraphernalia. Nothing in the video says she’s a detective." They added that if she is performing for money, she would need to file an off-duty employment application, but emphasized that her personal life is her own business.

On the other hand, some colleagues have come to Mercado's defense, highlighting her professional achievements. One source noted that she has "made some good collars" and is "respected by her peers," suggesting that her performance in the video should not overshadow her contributions to the department.

This incident is not the first time an NYPD officer has faced scrutiny for their off-duty behavior. In 2022, rookie officer Vera Mekuli was filmed giving a lap dance to a married lieutenant during a police party, which also sparked controversy.

As of now, Mercado has not publicly commented on the situation, and S-Quire has also declined to provide any statements regarding the video. The NYPD has yet to issue an official response to the unfolding drama.