DENVER - Two officers can be terminated for a high-profile videotaped beating in a case that cost one top ranking city official his job and sparked calls for a federal civil rights investigation.

The Denver Civil Service Commission Monday ruled that the Manager of Safety, the civilian head of the police, fire and sheriff's department, has the authority to reverse course on discipline. Randy Murr and Devin Sparks were terminated in March 2011 for lying in the aggressive arrest of Michael DeHerrera in April 2009 outside a downtown nightclub.

Both officers first received three-day suspensions before being fired. A hearing panel in September reinstated the officers on a technicality, which the commission reversed.

Former Manager of Safety Ron Perea refused to increase their punishment and he resigned in 2010 following public outcry.