NYPD Detective Melissa Mercado placed under review after appearing as stripper in S-Quire’s “Doin That” video

Detective Melissa Mercado, an NYPD officer known for her investigative skills, recently made headlines for a very different reason. She went viral after appearing in a provocative music video. The video, for NYC rapper S-Quire’s track “Doin That,” features Mercado in an uncharacteristic role—performing as a stripper in lingerie and a G-string. While this has certainly caught the public’s attention, it has also raised serious concerns within the NYPD. Currently, Detective Mercado has been taken off active cases in the Special Victims Unit (SVU) pending an internal review, according to the New York Post.

Detective Melissa Mercado isn’t your typical viral sensation. She’s an experienced investigator in the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit (SVU), where she handles some of the most sensitive and critical cases involving sex crimes. Her reputation within the department is that of a dedicated and skilled officer, well-respected for her work in a high-pressure environment.

However, her career took an unexpected turn when she was featured in the music video for “Doin That.” The video, which includes provocative dance scenes, gained significant traction on social media, and Mercado’s appearance quickly became a viral sensation. The NYPD’s review into her actions stems from whether she followed proper procedures regarding off-duty employment and whether her conduct is in line with department policies.

The Controversy: Viral Video and Police Review

The controversy began when Mercado appeared in the music video, which was directed by Pitch Perfect and featured S-Quire. In the video, Mercado is seen engaging in explicit dance routines and wearing revealing attire. The video has since garnered significant attention, both for its raunchy content and for the shock factor of seeing an NYPD detective in such a role.

Despite the video’s popularity, Mercado’s appearance has put her under scrutiny within the police department. According to law enforcement sources, Mercado has been temporarily removed from active duties in the SVU. This is a precautionary measure while the NYPD investigates whether she violated any department rules. One of the key questions is whether Mercado submitted the proper off-duty paperwork before engaging in this work. Police officers are required to file documentation when taking on additional employment, and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.

The Importance of Off-Duty Employment Policies

For police officers, off-duty work can be a tricky subject. While officers are allowed to pursue additional employment outside their official duties, they must follow strict guidelines and file necessary paperwork. These regulations are in place to ensure that off-duty jobs do not interfere with an officer’s responsibilities, cause conflicts of interest, or damage the public’s trust in the department.

In Mercado’s case, the NYPD is reviewing whether she adhered to these policies. If Mercado failed to submit the required paperwork for her appearance in the video, this could lead to consequences within the department. However, it’s important to note that the review is still ongoing, and there is no final verdict yet on whether Mercado broke any rules.

A Look at the “Doin That” Music Video

The “Doin That” music video has become a talking point in itself. S-Quire, a rapper from New York City, worked with the director Pitch Perfect to create a video filled with risqué dance scenes and a sultry atmosphere. The video features several women, including Mercado, performing suggestive dance moves in a club setting, a VIP room, and even on a bed in lingerie.

Mercado’s involvement in the video has sparked a wider conversation about the boundaries between an officer’s private life and their professional identity. The fact that she is an NYPD detective and appeared in a video with explicit content has raised eyebrows. Despite this, both the rapper and the video director have maintained that they were unaware of Mercado’s profession. They claim that Mercado was cast through a third-party casting agency and that they only learned of her job as a police officer after the video was released.

This revelation has added another layer to the controversy, raising questions about whether Mercado’s personal and professional lives are appropriately balanced.

The NYPD’s Internal Review Process

The NYPD’s internal review is crucial for determining whether Mercado violated any department policies. The process typically involves an examination of the officer’s actions, including whether they followed the necessary protocols for off-duty work and whether their conduct aligns with the NYPD’s code of ethics.

Internal reviews are conducted in cases where an officer’s behavior is called into question, particularly when it may impact public perception or trust in the department. In Mercado’s case, the review is not only looking at her appearance in the video but also evaluating her adherence to NYPD rules regarding off-duty employment.

If the review finds that Mercado violated any regulations, she could face disciplinary actions, including suspension or even termination. On the other hand, if the investigation clears her of wrongdoing, she may be reinstated to her regular duties.

What Does This Mean for NYPD Officers?

This case brings to light the ongoing debate about police officers and their personal lives. While officers are expected to uphold the law and maintain a level of professionalism, they are also individuals with personal interests and rights. The line between an officer’s professional responsibilities and their private actions can sometimes be blurry, as seen in this case with Mercado.

Officers are regularly placed in the public eye, and their actions can have significant consequences, both personally and professionally. For instance, Mercado’s appearance in a provocative video could tarnish the public image of the NYPD, even if her actions occurred off-duty. This raises important questions about how police officers should manage their personal reputations, especially when engaging in activities that could be viewed as controversial.

The Public’s Reaction: Divided Opinions

The public’s reaction to Mercado’s appearance in the music video has been mixed. Some people argue that Mercado’s personal choices should be respected, as she was off-duty when the video was filmed. They believe that police officers, like anyone else, should have the freedom to make personal decisions without facing undue scrutiny.

On the other hand, critics argue that Mercado’s decision to appear in a sexually explicit video undermines the professionalism expected of someone in her position. They feel that as a detective in the Special Victims Unit, Mercado’s actions could damage public trust, particularly in a department already under intense scrutiny.

This divided reaction shows the complexity of the situation and how hard it can be to balance personal freedom with professional responsibilities, especially for public servants like police officers.

Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?

For now, the future of Detective Melissa Mercado’s career hangs in the balance. The NYPD’s internal review is still ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether she will face disciplinary action or be cleared of any wrongdoing. In the meantime, Mercado has been removed from active cases in the Special Victims Unit, and the department is working to determine if she followed all necessary procedures.

The case highlights the challenges police officers face when their personal and professional lives intersect, and it underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and adhering to departmental policies. Whether Mercado ultimately faces consequences or is reinstated to her position, this situation is likely to be a topic of discussion for some time to come.

Detective Melissa Mercado’s appearance in a viral music video has sparked a major controversy within the NYPD, leading to an internal review of her actions. While Mercado is known for her skill as an investigator in the Special Victims Unit, the viral video has raised questions about her adherence to NYPD policies regarding off-duty employment. As the investigation continues, the outcome will determine whether Mercado violated any department rules and what consequences, if any, she may face.

This story also opens up a larger conversation about the balance between an officer’s personal life and their professional responsibilities, as well as the public’s expectations of law enforcement officers. Whether you see Mercado’s actions as a personal choice or a professional misstep, this case is a reminder of the complex intersection between personal freedom and the public’s trust in law enforcement.