Omaha's largest public school district stops officers from using electric shock gloves

Omaha's largest public school district has halted the use of electric shock gloves by school resource officers following a request from the superintendent, according to the city’s mayor. The move comes amid growing concerns over the deployment of the devices, known as G.L.O.V.E.s, which deliver low-voltage electrical shocks to subdue individuals. The decision was announced this week after Superintendent Matthew Ray requested that the gloves no longer be used in middle and high schools within the district. Ray made the request in a letter to the Omaha Public Schools community, revealing that he had only recently become aware of the gloves' usage. The first day of the new school year was Wednesday, adding urgency to the timing of the decision. Earlier in the week, the Omaha Police Department had conducted a demonstration of the gloves, highlighting their ability to achieve compliance with minimal force. According to police officials, the gloves were deployed twice during the 2025–2026 academic year. The change followed an Associated Press investigation into plans by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide similar devices to its officers. The gloves, manufactured by Compliant Technologies LLC, have also been used in some correctional facilities in recent years. It remains unclear whether other school districts have adopted the technology. During a school board meeting earlier in the week, approximately 30 residents and board members expressed opposition to the use of the gloves. Many described the practice as alarming, particularly given the context of a school environment meant to be a safe space for students. Nora Wessel, a senior at Omaha Central High School, voiced concern about the potential for students to witness peers being subjected to such treatment. She emphasized the importance of trust between students and resource officers, suggesting that the presence of these devices could deter students from seeking help when needed. Ray acknowledged the longstanding partnerships between the school district and local law enforcement, emphasizing the critical role played by school resource officers in maintaining safety. He stated that continuing the use of the gloves would undermine collaborative efforts. Mayor John Ewing Jr. confirmed that the police department respected the district’s choice to discontinue the practice. Officers will still carry other tools such as tasers, batons, OC spray, and firearms. According to the mayor and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, most of the 34 school resource officers had received training on the gloves and were authorized to use them. A statement from the police department defended the devices as the safest use-of-force option available in rare situations requiring intervention. In 2025, the city entered a contract with Compliant Technologies LLC for 40 gloves at a cost of around $66,000. The use of the gloves required officers to issue a warning prior to deployment and then apply the device for up to 15 seconds. The gloves function by delivering a direct skin-to-skin contact shock upon activation via a button press. Unlike Tasers, they do not cause visible burns or contact marks. During the 2025–2026 school year, the gloves were used once to prevent a high school student from escaping after a confrontation with a security guard. Omaha Public Schools, serving over 50,000 students, is the largest district in Nebraska. The decision to cease the use of the gloves reflects broader discussions about the appropriate application of force in educational settings. While the police department maintains confidence in the devices, the school district has opted to prioritize alternative methods of ensuring student safety. The incident underscores ongoing debates about the balance between security measures and the need to maintain a welcoming atmosphere in schools. As the new school year begins, the focus shifts toward implementing policies that align with both safety and trust-building objectives.