Omaha Police Halt Use of Electric Shock Gloves in Schools

The Omaha Police Department has decided to discontinue the use of gloves capable of delivering electric shocks to students in Nebraska’s largest public school district. This decision was made following a report by The Associated Press revealing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s intention to provide officers with these gloves, known as G.L.O.V.E.s (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters), that have been previously used in jails.

Omaha Superintendent Matthew Ray urged the police to stop using the gloves for school resource officers in the district. The Omaha Police agreed. However, police in the nearby Bellevue area will continue the practice in their schools, stating a strong relationship with Bellevue police as a reason.

Despite the decision by Omaha police, other large area school districts haven’t taken steps to stop the use of these gloves. These districts include Millard, Elkhorn, and Westside, all patrolled by Omaha officers. Bellevue schools spokeswoman Amanda Oliver stated there are no changes planned due to the district’s strong communication with local police.

Superintendent Ray noted learning about the gloves very recently, though emails discovered by local TV indicated Omaha police informed districts in 2023. The Omaha district was already aware because Bellevue police utilized them in two Omaha schools.

At a public meeting, there was significant opposition to using these gloves. Students like Nora Wessel from Omaha Central High voiced concerns over safety and trust, stating that the presence of such devices in schools could disrupt the safe environment expected there.

Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, recommended thorough discussion on the introduction of shock gloves, focusing on how officers would handle situations involving students with disabilities, as well as how parents will be informed.

Mayor John Ewing Jr. noted the police department would respect the school district’s choice to not use these gloves, though they will continue to carry tasers, batons, and other control devices. Most Omaha officers trained to use the gloves believed them to be a safe option in rare situations.

The contract with Compliant Technologies LLC suggested Omaha invested about $66,000 for 40 gloves in 2025. Officers were instructed to warn individuals before using the gloves, providing a shock for up to 15 seconds.

Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary defended their continued use, highlighting their safety and minimal harm compared to other options. Clary noted the gloves sometimes encourage compliance by their mere presence.

Omaha Public Schools, serving over 50,000 students, stands as Nebraska’s largest district. Other metro areas, also among the state’s largest, have yet to make a change regarding shock glove use.