![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2W6cRA_0tvvvaZD00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2W6cRA_0tvvvaZD00)
There have been 10 instances where an officer shot someone while on duty this year in Hampton Roads, compared to nine for all of last year.
In every case, police say the suspect was armed. Five people died in officer-involved shootings this year, compared to three last year.
"It’s very alarming," Brian Luciano with the Virginia Beach Police Union said.
Watch: Woman pointed gun at Newport News officers before they shot her
Woman pointed gun at Newport News officers before they shot her: Police chief
This is something Luciano says doesn’t help with recruitment and retention.
"When you combine poor compensation with the violence, stress we’re putting on officers, more demands. Less is being provided," Luciano said.
The most recent shooting happening over the weekend. Newport news police say Monae Bonaparte ignored several commands to drop her gun aimed at police, leading to an officer to shooting and killing her.
Watch: Woman fatally shot in armed altercation with police: Newport News Police Department
Woman fatally shot in armed altercation with police: Newport News Police Department
So far this year, Norfolk has had three shootings where an officer shot someone, two of those were deadly.
"Officers were in situations in which if they didn’t use deadly force, they would have been killed," Talbot said.
Watch: Man in hospital after shootout with Norfolk Police officers
Man in hospital after shootout with Norfolk Police officers, chief says
Talbot says it’s tragic when a life is lost.
"When a police officer uses deadly force, their career is never the same again. They suffer greatly when they are forced into these scenarios," Talbot said.
In the 19 officer-involved shootings over the past year and a half in Hampton Roads, in most cases, investigations found the officers have been justified.
Watch: Family of man shot, killed by Norfolk police demand answers
'He was a good dad:' Family of man shot, killed by Norfolk police demand answers
Some of the shootings are still being investigated.
Severe penalties await those who brandish a firearm on an officer.
Watch: Man killed in Norfolk officer-involved shooting was suspect in other Norfolk, Virginia Beach shootings
Man killed in Norfolk officer-involved shooting was suspect in other Norfolk, Virginia Beach shootings
"Automatically prosecuted as a felony. That’s a mandatory 6 months in jail or max of 5 years," Dr. Eric Claville, a legal analyst said.
If an officer is found guilty of an unjustified murder, the officer could face murder charges.
More stories from News 3 Investigates
Woman, friends move into new Norfolk home only to find out they were scammed
Margaret Kavanagh
5:31 AM, Jun 13, 2024
Board again revokes Chesapeake dentist's license for 'dangerous' care
Jessica Larché
5:30 AM, Jun 12, 2024
Local veterans furious chiropractic care cut off by Hampton VA
Margaret Kavanagh
6:09 AM, Jun 10, 2024
Cyber criminals making death threats to children
Margaret Kavanagh
6:34 AM, Jun 03, 2024
VB Municipal Center mass shooting 5th anniversary looks at memorial plan
Margaret Kavanagh
5:47 AM, May 31, 2024
Woman charged with sex trafficking denies accusations in jailhouse interview
Margaret Kavanagh
8:39 AM, May 30, 2024
Man carjacked by teen he met online and her two friends in Virginia Beach
Margaret Kavanagh
6:09 AM, May 27, 2024
Michigan residents plagued by Flint water crisis also face mounting water bills
Carrie Cochran
9:48 AM, May 23, 2024
Comments / 0