Two Melbourne policemen have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice following a review by the Office of Public Prosecutions that has overruled a decision made by one of Victoria Police's most senior officers.

The OPP recommendation to lay perjury charges against the officers allegedly involved in the assault of two teenagers delivers a sharp rebuke to Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin, who is responsible for the force's internal watchdog, Professional Standards Command.

Senior Constable Dennis Gundrill. Credit:Eddie Jim

Last month, Fairfax Media revealed Mr Guerin had decided not to charge the officers with perverting the course of justice or perjury, despite the findings of an internal police investigation relating to an altercation outside a Vermont convenience store on Christmas morning in 2014.

It is understood at least three senior officers involved in the internal investigation supported a move to lay the more serious charges of perjury or attempting to pervert the course of justice against Leading Senior Constables Dennis Gundrill and Simon Mareangareu.