Los Angeles ? The lawyer for the family of a toddler killed during a police shootout with her father last month has asked for a federal probe of the child’s death.

Attorney Luis A. Carrillo, speaking Monday outside Los Angeles Police Department headquarters, accused Chief William J. Bratton of “circling the wagons” to protect officers involved in the July 10 death of Suzie Marie Pena in Watts.

Sgt. Catherine Plows, an LAPD spokeswoman, said Bratton does not believe a federal inquiry is necessary but “has made it very clear that we are a transparent department. If it came to that, the LAPD would fully cooperate.”

Eric Holland, a representative of the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, said the agency would review the request carefully if one is received. Carrillo said the request was sent Sunday by letter.

The father of the 19-month-old, Jose Raul Pena, 34, also was killed in the shootout. According to police, he used his daughter as a human shield while repeatedly firing at officers and civilians. The coroner determined the girl died after being struck in the head by a police bullet.