Public response to the incident mirrored that of the Smoak family: horror, sadness and, eventually, outrage. The American Humane Association received dozens of phone calls and emails, and over 300 concerned individuals responded by writing to Tennessee officials, demanding training to improve the way law enforcement officers handle situations involving animals.

Setting a national precedent: a one-of-a-kind program
American Humane responded to the incident in Tennessee by creating Bark...Stop, Drop, & Roll, a special technique designed by an animal behaviorist and a former police officer to specifically help police officers evaluate canine communication to ascertain the possible threat posed by a dog to officers and the general public. After presenting the training to the Tennessee Highway Patrol for free, American Humane launched POCE nationally, with the ultimate goal of saving animals' lives and sparing other families the same heartbreak the Smoak family experienced.

The extreme pressures faced by our nation's police force demand quick action and vigilance in order for officers to ensure their own protection and the public’s safety. Over half the households in America include pets, and most of them have a similar concern for their pets as they do for the other members of their families. Entrusted with the task of safeguarding communities with such a high population of -- and high value for -- companion animals, officers are inevitably called on to deal with situations involving family pets or stray animals.

Preparing and educating officers before they encounter these situations may help prevent future incidents of unnecessary violence against dogs like Patton. In addition, by equipping officers with knowledge of canine behavior and how to respond appropriately, the POCE training also helps minimize the number of officers bitten in the line of duty.