Omaha Police Cease Use of Shock-Delivering Gloves in Schools

Omaha police decided to stop carrying gloves capable of delivering electric shocks in the halls of Nebraska’s largest public school district. This decision followed a report by The Associated Press highlighting Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s plan to equip officers with the gloves, known as G.L.O.V.E.s or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters. These devices have also been utilized in some prisons.

The decision impacts most Omaha middle and high schools, prompted by a request from Omaha Superintendent Matthew Ray. Ray asked school resource officers to halt the use of the gloves. While the Omaha Police Department complied, the Bellevue Police Department patrolling two schools in Omaha and the larger Bellevue district will continue using them. Three other major school districts employing Omaha officers have not yet taken action against the gloves.

Bellevue schools spokeswoman Amanda Oliver stated the district maintains a strong relationship with Bellevue police and sees no need for changes. Superintendent Ray, unaware of the gloves until recently, learned through local media and emails indicating prior notification by Omaha police in 2023. He addressed the topic in a school board meeting and a public letter.

At a news conference, an Omaha officer demonstrated the gloves, explaining their use in gaining control over individuals resisting commands. The gloves were used twice in the 2025-2026 school year. Bellevue police have also used them twice, although specific details were not provided.

In a school board meeting, around 30 people, including students and board members, voiced opposition to the gloves. Concerns were raised about the potential harm and mistrust the gloves could create. Senior student Nora Wessel expressed discomfort at the idea of students being shocked by authorities in schools.

Less than lethal doesn’t mean low risk.

Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, emphasized the need for detailed discussions before introducing such technology. He urged consideration of various factors including responses to students with disabilities and informing parents about the conditions under which the gloves would be used.

Ray acknowledged the importance of partnerships with law enforcement in ensuring school safety. However, he stressed that using the gloves could hinder collaborative efforts. Omaha Police agreed to cease using them, but will continue carrying other non-lethal weapons such as tasers, batons, and OC spray.

Most of Omaha’s 34 school resource officers were trained to use the gloves, which the department purchased from Compliant Technologies LLC for $66,000. The agreement required officers to issue warnings before delivering a shock via direct skin contact.

Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary defended retaining the gloves, citing their safety and effectiveness. Unlike Tasers, these gloves do not leave marks, activating with a button and requiring direct skin contact to deliver a painful shock designed to stop resistance.

A notable incident involved an Omaha officer using the glove to prevent a student from escaping after a confrontation with a security guard. Additionally, a student at the Integrated Learning Center was subjected to the glove’s use after making threats and assaulting a guard.

Omaha Public Schools, serving over 50,000 students, is Nebraska’s largest district. Several other metro districts are also among the state’s largest.