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Just when you thought the internet had scraped the bottom of the dumpster fire for attention grabbing controversies, along comes Melissa Mercado, an NYPD’s Special Victims Unit detective. Mercado has found herself on the receiving end of blaring arguments after a rekindle of controversies sparked about her pole dancing in a music video. While some applaud her sultry moves as empowerment, others seem convinced that it is an absolute disaster waiting to unconditionally derail her career.

The video causing her a world of consequence

For a pole dancing detective like Mercado, the Extraordinaire Doin That music video by S-Quire seems to be a breath of fresh air, as it showcases her busty moves Mercado making a jaw dropping $144,000 a year. The shocking video alone has igniting the dispute that challenges if a police officer participating in behaviors like those should even be considered professional or acceptable under the office of law enforcement.

While law enforcement sources recognized her as also split remained divided on the debate. Some officers defended by stating that as long as Mercado does not don NYPD uniform or claim in a 3rd person voice to be a cop, her dance on the stage becomes exempt from any form of public backlash. “What she chooses to engage in after work has no connection with her responsibility,” an NYPD emerged as the scapegoat for many interchangeably said while claiming any form of employment requires some form of contract signifying terms and condition.

The great divide – empowerment vs. civility in the workplace

Mercado appears to be appreciated within the police department for her contribution; however, Michael Osgood, former Chief of Special Victims Division, not only disrespects her for partaking in the video, but is also extremely critical of it. He stated that participating in such spectacles as a detective within a delicate unit poses a significant issue. From his view, “There is a boundary of what you do off duty and how it impacts your credibility as an officer,” Osgood is reported saying.

As is the case with public controversies, Mercado’s video elicited equally divided opinions. Some adamantly argued as to why Mercado should be able to dictate her off duty hours without scrutiny but many others believed her participation in the video tarnishes the image of the NYPD. One user complained, “You lose all credibility when you engage in public behavior like this.” Another added her words, “Probably not the best look for the department."

While the heated conversation continues, Mercado’s fate remains undecided pending further action by the NYPD who have yet to weigh in publicly on whether they intend to administer disciplinary actions towards her in the future. What’s clear though is that this will not settle any time soon.


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