A New York Police Department (NYPD) detective is facing scrutiny after appearing in a music video by rapper S-Quire, raising concerns within the department, the New York Post reported.
Detective Melissa Mercado, a seven-year veteran of the NYPD currently assigned to the Bronx Special Victims Unit, was featured in the music video for Doin That.
The video, which has circulated widely online, has drawn mixed reactions from law enforcement officials. While some within the force have questioned the appropriateness of her participation, others argue that it is a personal matter unrelated to her professional responsibilities.
A law enforcement source told the New York Post that Mercado’s involvement in the video could raise questions about off-duty employment policies.
“If she is performing for money, if she has a side gig, the job would want to know about that,” the source said, adding that NYPD personnel are required to file an off-duty employment application. However, the source also stated, “I would say nothing she does in the video is the department’s business.”
Some officers expressed surprise over Mercado’s participation. “I have no words,” said one detective when asked about the video.
Mercado, who joined the department in 2018, has not publicly commented on the matter. The NYPD has not confirmed whether an internal review is being conducted regarding her appearance in the video.