In a surprising twist of fate, NYPD detective Melissa Mercado has found herself at the center of public scrutiny following her appearance in a racy hip-hop music video. The 28-year-old officer, known for her role in the Bronx Special Victims Unit, was quietly transferred to the 50th Precinct in Kingsbridge on March 14, 2025, just days after her sultry performance in rapper S-Quire’s "Doin That" video went viral.
The decision to reassign Mercado stems from the NYPD's investigation into her conduct after the music video amassed over two million views on YouTube. Mercado, who has earned a commendable salary of $144,000 as a grade 3 detective, was removed from active special victims cases pending the outcome of the inquiry into her behavior.
Retired NYPD Special Victims Division Chief Michael Osgood weighed in on the controversy, stating, "I think it’s conduct unbecoming a police officer," and expressed moral concerns about her dual roles as a detective and a performer in the provocative video. Osgood’s remarks highlighted the challenging ethical implications raised by Mercado’s dual careers, particularly given her current assignment in a specialized unit that deals with sensitive cases involving sexual assaults.
While filming the music video, Mercado was reportedly unaware that her participation would lead to such repercussions. Pitch Perfect, the director, mentioned in an interview with TMZ that both he and the rapper were unaware of Mercado's status as a police officer when they hired her. "None of us were aware of... what her main profession was," he explained, emphasizing that she was cast through a modeling agency.
The video depicts Mercado flaunting her curves in a G-string and bra, surrounded by dollar bills as she engages in suggestive dance moves with S-Quire. The explicit scenes stirred considerable debate within the NYPD, where officers have circulated the video and discussed its implications for the department's image.
Many in the force were taken aback not only by the video's reception but also by the potential ramifications for Mercado's career. Some expressed concerns over how her actions reflect on the NYPD, especially since she held a position that handles serious sexual assault cases. "This is not how you want your detectives to be portrayed," a fellow officer commented under condition of anonymity.
Despite the backlash, Mercado's popularity has surged within certain circles. Following the video's release, the director revealed that he had received multiple requests from artists eager to have her feature in their projects, suggesting that her foray into the hip-hop scene might open new doors for her future.
As part of the NYPD's investigation, officials are also examining whether Mercado properly filed the necessary paperwork to partake in such a production. According to sources familiar with the matter, this inquiry will determine not only her future with the NYPD but potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Mercado, a mother to a young son, reportedly deleted her Instagram account amid growing media attention surrounding her performance. By removing her social media presence, she may be attempting to distance herself from the controversy and focus on her career moving forward.
However, the fallout from her appearance in the video continues to ripple through the department and the public’s perception of police officers. While some defend her ability to pursue artistic endeavors, many argue that her actions compromise the integrity expected from a member of the police force.
As the NYPD evaluates Mercado’s situation, her future within the department hangs in the balance, and the conversation surrounding her performance highlights the complex relationship between professional duties and personal choices. Will Mercado emerge from this scandal unscathed, or will her dancing career overshadow her contributions as a dedicated detective?
Regardless of the outcome, Mercado's case has sparked a broader dialogue about the expectations placed on law enforcement officers, particularly regarding their personal lives and public personas. The ongoing discussions within the NYPD and across social media reflect not only on Mercado's situation but also on the ethos of policing in today's society.
