Omaha Public Schools calls for end to electric-shock gloves
Nebraska's largest school district, Omaha Public Schools, which serves more than 50,000 students, has requested that police officers assigned to its schools stop using electric-shock gloves. Superintendent Matthew Ray made the request on August 18, and the Omaha Police Department agreed two days later, according to multiple reports.
The decision affects most middle and high schools in the district. The controversy over the gloves emerged after the Associated Press reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) planned to equip officers with the devices, known as G.L.O.V.E.s, or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters. The technology has also been used by some jails.
The gloves, which trigger when an officer presses a button and must touch a person's skin directly to deliver an electric shock, were defended by police as a safer alternative to other tools. Unlike Tasers, they do not leave burn or contact marks. In a joint statement, Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said: "We believe it is the safest use-of-force option in the rare times when it is used."
Two incidents reported this school year
Omaha police said the gloves had been used twice during the 2025-26 school year. In one case, an officer used a glove to stop a high school student from another school who was attempting to flee after fighting with a security guard. In the second case, the glove was used on a student at the district's Integrated Learning Center for special education students after police said the student threatened staff and assaulted a security guard.
Bellevue police, a suburban department that patrols two Omaha schools and the large Bellevue district, said its officers will continue carrying the gloves. Chief Ken Clary defended their continued use, saying the devices have been effective and less harmful than other options. Officers there have had the gloves for more than three years and have used them twice in previous years.
Mixed reactions in the community
The policy triggered widespread concern. At an Omaha school board meeting, about 30 people spoke against the gloves, with no one speaking in support. Omaha Central High School senior Nora Wessel said: "I can't even imagine walking down the hallway and seeing a peer of mine being electrocuted in a place that is supposed to be a safe space for students."
School safety consultant Ken Trump warned that districts should carefully consider how the devices could affect students with disabilities or medical conditions. He said: "Less than lethal doesn't mean low risk."
Ray said continued use of the gloves would be "counterproductive" to the district's relationship with law enforcement. However, emails obtained by KETV showed that Omaha police notified the district in 2023 about plans to equip officers with the devices, contrary to Ray's statement that he'd learned about them only recently.
Details of the program
In 2025, Omaha police purchased 40 gloves from Compliant Technologies LLC for about $66,000, and most of the department's 34 school resource officers had been trained to use them. Officers were expected to give a warning before using the gloves and then touch the person for up to 15 seconds.
Mayor Ewing said the department has honored the school district's decision to "opt out." Omaha police will continue to carry stun guns, batons, pepper spray, and firearms.
Three other large districts in the metro area—Millard, Elkhorn, and Westside—have not announced changes to the use of the devices. Bellevue schools spokesperson Amanda Oliver said the district has a great relationship with Bellevue police and doesn't see a need to alter anything.
Students in all the Omaha area districts have gone back to class over the past two weeks.
Perspectives
Omaha Public Schools and Mayor's Office: The district's superintendent requested the halt, and the mayor's office honored the decision, emphasizing the gloves as a safe use-of-force option.
Omaha Police Department: Defended the gloves as the safest option in rare uses, but agreed to stop carrying them at the district's request.
Bellevue Police Department: Continues to carry the gloves, arguing they are effective and less harmful, with no plans to change.
Students and community members: Expressed concern about the use of electric-shock devices in schools, calling for a safe environment.
School safety consultant: Advised caution, particularly regarding students with disabilities or medical conditions.