How can police mistake a gun for a taser? ‘Rare but possible’ Updated 7:50 AM; Today 7:00 AM A stun gun, commonly called a "taser" has become a popular crime-fighting device since 1999. The devices are shaped like a handgun, but are different in look and feel from a police officer's service weapon. They are also often worn on the non-dominate side of a police officer. Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media Facebook Share Alabama law enforcement officers receiving routine training in using tasers, and there are no known instances in which a case of so-called “weapons confusion” has resulted in tragedy within the state.