Omaha schools ban electric shock gloves used on two students after uproar

The use of electric shock gloves by school resource officers in Omaha Public Schools has sparked outrage following incidents at two schools. The controversy arose after parents, students, and community members demanded an end to the devices' use following heated discussions at the Omaha Public Schools board meeting. The devices, known as Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, deliver an electrical shock through physical contact.

Police confirmed the use of the gloves on two students during the 2025-26 school year. One student was caught attempting to flee from a security guard at Omaha South High School, while the second incident involved a student who made threats and threw a chair at a security guard at the Integrated Learning Program. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Mayor John Ewing provided details about the two incidents.

The devices have drawn national attention after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) planned a major purchase. Omaha Police Department Lieutenant Neal Bonacci stated that the gloves are a discreet, de-escalation option for school environments. However, the disclosure of the devices' use has prompted criticism from parents and advocacy groups, who raised concerns about student safety, use-of-force policies, and potential harm to children with disabilities or underlying medical conditions.

Board Vice President Kimara Snipes expressed her anger after learning about the technology without prior communication from the district leadership. Superintendent Matthew Ray formally asked police departments to stop allowing officers to carry the devices, citing the need for safety and the absence of sufficient guidelines in the current contract with Omaha Public Schools.