An NYPD detective’s pole dancing video has ignited backlash across social media. Melissa Mercado, a Special Victims Unit detective in the Bronx, appeared in a raunchy rap video that quickly spread online. The clip showed her pole dancing, twerking, and giving lap dances inside a strip club.
Mercado swapped her uniform for a lacy black bra and thong while performing in the video for rapper S-Quire. The song featured explicit lyrics, dollar bills raining down, and nightclub scenes that shocked viewers. Within weeks, the video crossed 1.4 million views and drew attention from fellow officers.
Her identity became public only after colleagues recognized her. Soon after, criticism poured in from current and former NYPD members. Some officers questioned her judgment and said her actions clashed with the standards expected from law enforcement. Others worried about public trust, given her role in handling sensitive cases.
The rapper later said he did not know Mercado was a detective. He knew her only by her nickname and met her through the video’s production team. Filming reportedly took place in Queens in early 2022.
Despite the outrage, opinions inside the department remain split. Some union sources defended her, saying she was off duty and not wearing NYPD gear. They argued the video had no impact on her job performance. Supporters also pointed out her strong arrest record and peer respect.
Neither the NYPD nor Mercado has issued an official statement. Still, the NYPD detective’s pole-dancing video continues to fuel debate over personal freedom, public roles, and where departments draw the line.
