(WHTM) — Pennsylvania State Police say they will “transition” away from assigning Troopers shotguns for duty weapons.

In a statement on Tuesday, State Police said the decision was “recently determined” to move from shotguns to the .223-caliber rifle.

State Police say the rifle “offers advantages including a longer effective range.”

The use of shotguns by law enforcement has come under scrutiny after pellets from a shotgun fired by police during the UPMC hostage situation in York County led to the death of West York Borough Officer Andrew Duarte.

The York County District Attorney’s office says pellets from a shotgun struck Duarte multiple times during the standoff.

State Police declined to comment on whether the decision was directly linked to Duarte’s death.

State Police noted they “consistently” re-evaluate equipment needs and that last year they transitioned from the Sig-Sauer P227 in .45 caliber to the Walther PDP in 9mm “to meet its current needs for a duty sidearm.”