Nebraska school district asks police to stop using shock gloves on students

The Omaha Public School District has requested police to cease utilizing shock gloves on students in its schools. This decision came after the Associated Press disclosed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intended to provide officers with devices known as "Gloves" – or "generated low output voltage emitters." These devices, also employed by certain jails, have been in use by Omaha police recently.

Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray made the request on August 18th, and the police agreed two days later. However, the Bellevue Police Department, which patrols two Omaha schools and the broader Bellevue district, stated it would continue carrying the gloves. Three other major school districts in the metro area that also have Omaha school resource officers assigned to their buildings have not taken any action.

Bellevue Schools spokesperson Amanda Oliver mentioned that the district maintains a strong relationship with Bellevue police and sees no need to change their current practices. She cited consistent communication and dialogue as the reason. Superintendent Ray revealed his knowledge of the gloves only the week prior to the decision.

Interestingly, local news outlet KETV uncovered emails from 2023 when Omaha police had informed other districts about their plan to equip officers with the gloves. The Omaha district officials reportedly knew about the gloves as Bellevue police had them in use at two Omaha schools.

Despite the decision, Omaha police utilized the gloves twice during the 2025-26 school year, and Bellevue police used them twice in previous years. At a school board meeting, approximately 30 people expressed their disapproval of using the gloves, expressing shock at the practice. No one advocated for its use.