OPS requests SROs to not carry shock gloves, effective immediately

Key Points:

• Omaha Public Schools (OPS) has requested that school resource officers (SROs) no longer carry shock gloves on school grounds, citing concerns about student health and safety and calling the gloves "counterproductive" to the relationship with the Omaha Police Department (OPD).
• In response, OPD Chief Todd Schmaderer expressed confidence in the SROs' work and affirmed the department will comply with OPS's request to not use shock gloves on school property, though officers will continue to carry other standard equipment such as tasers and batons.
• Mayor John Ewing Jr. emphasized the importance of SROs in schools for safety and positive relationships, noting that OPS was given the option to opt out of the shock glove use and that the city will continue to listen to the district's concerns.
• The controversy arose after parents and students voiced opposition to the shock gloves at an OPS Board of Education meeting, with some board members also expressing disapproval of any use of force tools like tasers or pepper spray on students.
• Other local districts, including Elkhorn, Millard, and Westside, have also been informed about the shock gloves, though some report the gloves have not been used; Bellevue Public Schools and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office have yet to provide detailed statements or do not possess the gloves.