Omaha police will no longer use electric shock gloves in the state’s largest public school district. This change comes after an Associated Press report on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s plans to supply these gloves to officers. The devices, known as G.L.O.V.E.s, have been common in some jails in recent years. Omaha Superintendent Matthew Ray asked police in schools to cease using the gloves, and the police department agreed.
In contrast, the Bellevue police department, serving some Omaha schools and the Bellevue district, will continue using the gloves. Other districts with Omaha school resource officers have not yet responded to this change. These include the Millard, Elkhorn, and Westside districts.
Bellevue schools spokeswoman Amanda Oliver highlighted the strong relationship between the district and Bellevue police. She sees no reason to change current practices. “We maintain excellent communication with them,” Oliver stated.
During a school board meeting, Superintendent Ray noted he learned about the gloves recently. However, an investigation by KETV revealed 2023 emails where Omaha police notified districts of the gloves.
Students across Omaha returned to class recently. The Omaha Police Department demonstrated the gloves’ effectiveness in controlling noncompliant individuals. During the 2025-2026 school year, Omaha police used the gloves twice. Bellevue police have also previously used them twice.
Around 30 people, including residents and school board members, voiced opposition to the usage of shock gloves at a school board meeting. Nora Wessel, a senior at Omaha Central High School, expressed concerns about trust breached by these devices.
Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, emphasized the need for thorough discussions on using such technology in schools. He stressed the importance of addressing issues related to students with disabilities or special medical needs.
Superintendent Ray acknowledged the importance of partnerships with law enforcement. However, he emphasized the use of gloves could harm these relationships.
Mayor John Ewing Jr. noted the police department respects the district’s choice to opt out of the glove program. Despite this, officers will still carry tasers, batons, OC spray, and firearms.
Most of Omaha’s 34 school resource officers were trained in using the gloves. The police department procured 40 gloves for approximately $66,000 in 2025. Officers were instructed to give warnings and limit application duration to 15 seconds.
Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary advocated for continuing glove usage due to their safety and effectiveness. The gloves require direct skin contact to deliver an electric shock. They differ from tasers as they do not leave marks. The Omaha district’s Integrated Learning Center had a notable incident involving glove usage after a student demonstrated aggressive behavior.
Bellevue’s police didn’t provide immediate details on their application of the gloves. Clary mentioned the gloves often encourage student cooperation without actual use.
Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska’s largest district, serves over 50,000 students. Other metro districts also rank among the largest in the state.
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