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Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray requests police to stop using electric shock gloves in school hallways

Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray requested that police officers serving as school resource officers stop using electric shock gloves in the district's buildings. The Omaha Police Department agreed to the request, though the suburban Bellevue police department will continue using the devices in the schools they patrol. The decision follows public outcry from parents and students who expressed concern over the technology, which was used twice during the 2025-2026 school year. While the Omaha Police Department described the gloves as a safe use-of-force option, critics argued that the devices could create a barrier between students and officers. Superintendent Matthew Ray noted a communication breakdown regarding the technology, as internal emails revealed that police had informed district leadership about the gloves as far back as 2023. Despite the disagreement over the gloves, the Omaha Police Department will continue to carry standard equipment such as Tasers, batons, and firearms. The Bellevue Police Department, however, maintained that the gloves are a safe and effective tool that leaves no lasting injury.

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