NYPD Detective Under Fire and Facing Backlash after Pole Dancing in a Rap Video (Video)

In the rap video, the detective gives rapper S-Quire a lap dance and grinds on a pole

An officer with the New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is under review after appearing in a viral hip-hop music video. Detective Melissa Mercado, a seven-year veteran of the force, has been taken off duty while an internal investigation is conducted.

Mercado, known by the nickname "Honeybee," was featured in the video for rapper S-Quire’s song Doin’ That, which gained over 1.6 million views in a month. The footage shows her dancing provocatively in a strip club, giving lap dances, twerking around a pole, and being showered in dollar bills. Neither S-Quire nor the production company Pitch Perfect were aware of her position as a detective at the time of filming.

Mercado pictured in her police uniform as she serves with the Special Victims Unit

The video does not reference Mercado’s employment with the NYPD, but colleagues recognized her after it went viral. Her role in the Special Victims Unit, which handles sensitive cases involving sexual offenses, has sparked backlash within the department. Retired NYPD Special Victims Division Chief Michael Osgood criticized the detective’s involvement, calling it "unbecoming of a police officer" and "morally wrong" given her line of work.

Other officers expressed similar concerns, emphasizing the expectation that detectives uphold a higher standard. A former NYPD officer and attorney, Eric Saunders, stated that Mercado’s actions are "inconsistent with the values and professional standards" expected of law enforcement. He urged a review of her conduct and fitness for duty, fearing a loss of public confidence in the department.

Mercado is currently under investigation for her behavior in the video shot while she was off-duty

However, some sources within the police union defended Mercado, arguing that her off-duty activities have no bearing on her professional role. They pointed out that she did not wear any NYPD-affiliated clothing or reference her job in the video.

The video has gained over 1.6 million views in a month

While the controversy has drawn criticism from law enforcement circles, Mercado’s appearance has led to increased attention from the entertainment industry. Pitch Perfect and S-Quire praised her performance, with the production company noting that other artists are now eager to cast her in their projects.

Mercado has not publicly addressed the situation or the ongoing investigation into her conduct.