Omaha Schools Ban Police Use of Shock Gloves on Students Amid Concerns

The Omaha public school district has formally requested that police officers assigned to schools discontinue the use of shock gloves on students. These devices, capable of delivering electric shocks, were set to be deployed by Omaha police in middle and high schools across the district.

Superintendent Matthew Ray made the request on August 18, following revelations about the police department’s plan to equip officers with the so-called “generated low output voltage emitters.” Two days later, Omaha police agreed to stop carrying the gloves in schools.

However, the Bellevue police department, which patrols two Omaha schools and the nearby Bellevue school district, has decided to continue using the devices. Similarly, three other large school districts in the Omaha metropolitan area, which also have Omaha police officers in their schools, have not taken action to prohibit the gloves.

Community Response and Police Use

At a recent school board meeting, about 30 attendees voiced strong opposition to the use of shock gloves on students. No speakers supported their use. Residents and board members expressed shock and disapproval over the practice.

Omaha police demonstrated the gloves in a news conference, highlighting their use as a tool to quickly control individuals refusing commands. The department reported using the gloves twice during the current school year, while Bellevue police have also used them twice in previous years.

Districts' Stance on Police Equipment

• Omaha Public Schools: Requested and received police agreement to stop using shock gloves.
• Bellevue Police and Schools: Continue to allow use, citing strong communication and partnership.
• Millard, Elkhorn, Westside Districts: No changes made; no official comment received.

Superintendent Ray acknowledged learning about the gloves only recently, despite earlier notifications from police in 2023 and prior use by Bellevue officers in Omaha schools.