“The cops have a much more aggressive attitude now. “
They have become extremely risk averse and will do anything to avoid personal injury. That means shooting anything that might be a threat. Dogs are not new, their behavior is predictable, they protect their territory by barking and approaching strangers. The vast majority of times they dont bite. Drug dealers with pit bulls may be an exception. This shoot on approach carp will turn people against these idiots faster than anything.
Much higher risk professions are airplane pilot, fisherman, lumberjack, farmer, miner, roofer, trash collector, truck driver. Many dogs really have it out for the mailman, and postal carriers aren't allowed to go postal on the family dog. The fat trough eaters are just trying to make it to their cushy pension, and will use what's in easy reach on their tool belt to protect that plan.