Omaha police have decided to halt the use of gloves capable of delivering electric shocks in Nebraska’s largest public school district. This decision impacts Omaha middle and high schools after The Associated Press disclosed plans by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to furnish officers with these gloves, called Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters (G.L.O.V.E.s). Some jails have utilized these devices in recent years. Superintendent Matthew Ray asked school resource officers in Omaha to cease using the gloves. The Omaha Police Department agreed.
In contrast, the Bellevue Police Department, responsible for two Omaha schools, plans to continue using the gloves. Other large school districts in the region with Omaha school resource officers haven’t stopped using the devices. The AP reached out to the Millard, Elkhorn, and Westside districts for comment but received no response. Bellevue schools’ spokeswoman Amanda Oliver stated they have a solid relationship with Bellevue police and see no reason for change. “We maintain consistent communication and dialogue with them,” Oliver mentioned.
Superintendent Ray informed the school community about the gloves through a school board meeting and a public letter. Local TV station KETV found Omaha police had notified districts in 2023 about plans to equip officers with the gloves. Bellevue police already used them in two schools. Omaha Police demonstrated the gloves to show they assist officers in handling non-compliant individuals. In the 2025-2026 school year, Omaha police used the gloves twice, similar to Bellevue police’s past usage.
During a school board meeting, around 30 people voiced their opposition to police using the gloves. Both residents and board members expressed their disapproval. No supporters of the practice emerged. “I can’t imagine witnessing a peer being electrocuted in a supposed safe space for students,” stated senior Nora Wessel from Omaha Central High School. “These weapons hinder students from approaching resource officers for help.”
Ken Trump, of National School Safety and Security Services, emphasized discussing how to manage students with disabilities and special medical needs before using such technology. “Parents must be informed, and there should be clear guidelines on the circumstances for glove usage,” he added. “Less than lethal doesn’t mean low risk.” Superintendent Ray acknowledged the vital role of school resource officers, but continuing glove use would undermine the partnership.
Mayor John Ewing Jr. stated the Omaha Police Department respects the school district’s choice to opt out. Officers will still carry tasers, batons, OC spray, and firearms. Most of Omaha’s 34 school resource officers received training to use the gloves, as mentioned by Mayor Ewing and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. “We trust this is the safest use-of-force option when necessary,” they stated.
In 2025, Omaha police contracted Compliant Technologies LLC for $66,000 to purchase 40 gloves. Officers are expected to deliver a warning before use and make contact for up to 15 seconds during the shock. Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary confirmed his officers would continue carrying the gloves, which they’ve used for over three years. “These gloves proved safe and effective, posing less harm than alternatives,” Clary stated. The gloves activate when an officer presses a button and must make direct skin contact to cause pain, leading to compliance. Unlike Tasers, these gloves don’t leave burns or marks.
The gloves were reportedly used to stop a student from escaping after a fight with a security guard and on a student exhibiting violent behavior at the Integrated Learning Center. Details on Bellevue police’s usage of the gloves haven’t been shared. Bellevue police noted the gloves sometimes ensure student cooperation without needing actual shocks.
Omaha Public Schools serves over 50,000 students, making it Nebraska’s largest district, while other metro area districts are also among the state’s largest.