Omaha Police Discontinue Use of Shock Gloves in Schools

The Omaha Police Department has agreed to stop using gloves capable of delivering electric shocks in the halls of Nebraska’s largest school district. This decision was made following an Associated Press report on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s plan to equip officers with these devices, known as Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters (G.L.O.V.E.s). While some jails have used these gloves, Omaha Superintendent Matthew Ray asked police officers, who serve as school resource officers, to cease using them in schools. Omaha Police complied with this request.

In contrast, the Bellevue Police Department, which oversees two Omaha schools and the larger Bellevue district, stated it would continue using the gloves. Three other major school districts in the area have not yet taken steps to halt their use. Bellevue schools spokesperson Amanda Oliver highlighted the district’s strong relationship with Bellevue police, indicating no current plans for change.

Superintendent Ray expressed in a school board meeting and a public letter that he recently became aware of the glove issue. However, local news station KETV uncovered emails from 2023 where Omaha police informed the districts about their intent to arm officers with the gloves. An official from the Omaha district acknowledged that they knew about the gloves since Bellevue police had them at two Omaha schools.

The Omaha Police Department demonstrated the gloves during a recent news conference, showing how they can help officers manage non-compliant individuals. The gloves were used twice during the 2025-2026 school year in Omaha, and Bellevue officers have also used them twice previously.

“I can’t imagine seeing a peer being electrocuted in a place meant to be safe for students,” stated Nora Wessel, a senior at Omaha Central High School.

During a school board meeting, approximately 30 attendees spoke against using the gloves, expressing shock and disapproval. Ken Trump, President of National School Safety and Security Services, stressed the need for thorough discussions regarding such technology in schools, especially concerning students with disabilities or special medical needs.

Continuing to use the gloves was acknowledged to be counterproductive to maintaining cooperative relationships with law enforcement. Mayor John Ewing Jr., involved in creating the school resource officer program, supported the district’s decision to “opt out.” Although the police agreed to stop using the gloves, officers will still carry other equipment like batons, OC spray, tasers, and firearms.

Most of the 34 Omaha school resource officers had received training to use these gloves. The training ensured officers issued warnings before applying a 15-second electric shock. In 2025, Omaha police purchased 40 gloves from Compliant Technologies LLC for $66,000.

Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary defended using the gloves, citing their safety and effectiveness compared to other options. The gloves, activated by pressing a button, require direct skin contact to transmit a painful, compliance-inducing voltage without leaving marks. In the 2025-2026 school year, Omaha officers used the gloves in a case involving a student attempting to flee and another incident involving a student at the Integrated Learning Center for special education students.

Omaha Public Schools, the largest district in Nebraska, serves over 50,000 students. This decision impacts several large districts in the state.

Contributing AP Writers: Ryan J. Foley, Hallie Golden, Hannah Schoenbaum, and Sharon Lurye.