Omaha Police Department agreed this week to cease carrying electric shock gloves, known as G.L.O.V.E.s or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters, within Nebraska’s largest school district following public pressure and a request from Superintendent Matthew Ray. The decision came after media reports revealed Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s plans to distribute the devices to officers. The gloves are designed to deliver electric shocks and have been used in some jails in recent years.
The agreement applies to school resource officers patrolled by Omaha police across most middle and high schools in the district. However, the Bellevue Police Department, which serves two Omaha schools and the broader Bellevue district, announced it will continue using the devices. Three other large metro-area school districts—Millard, Elkhorn, and Westside—that employ Omaha school resource officers have not taken action to restrict the gloves. Bellevue schools spokeswoman Amanda Oliver stated the district maintains strong communication with its police department and sees no reason to change current policies.
During the previous school year, Omaha police used the gloves twice. Police officials demonstrated the devices at a news conference, explaining they help officers quickly gain control of individuals refusing commands. The gloves activate when an officer presses a button and must touch skin directly to produce voltage. Unlike Tasers, they do not leave burn or contact marks. Officers were trained to provide warnings before use and apply contact for up to 15 seconds during shock delivery.
Public opposition emerged during a school board meeting, where approximately 30 residents spoke against the devices. Students expressed concern that the gloves would damage trust between students and officers who should serve as reliable resources. Safety consultant Ken Trump advised districts to conduct thorough discussions regarding the devices’ use with students with disabilities, parental notification, and usage protocols before implementation. Omaha police indicated officers will continue carrying tasers, batons, OC spray, and firearms. The department had contracted to purchase 40 gloves from Compliant Technologies LLC for approximately $66,000.
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