The violence by Denver Police officers that left a 16 year-old with a damaged liver and kidney was unusual only because the injuries were severe and two of the cops reported one of their own, former safety manager Al LaCabe said today.

Police culture in Denver and elsewhere is accepting of officers roughing up suspects within certain boundaries, LaCabe told a hearing panel of the Civil Service Commission.

Few officers actually engage in the violence, but as long as the injuries aren’t too severe, officers rarely report those who do, LaCabe said.

“This was the run of the mill, teaching the guy a lesson,” LaCabe said.

LaCabe made his statements at Officer Chuck Porter’s appeal of his firing for the beating of Juan Vasquez in April, 2008. Officers Luis Rivera and Cameron Moerman also lost their jobs.

All three denied beating the teen. Days after the incident, Rivera and Moerman blamed Porter for the injuries, telling internal- affairs investigators that after Vasquez, who was drinking and ran from the police, was on the ground Porter jumped on his back.

A jury acquitted Porter, who was the only officer charged with a crime.

LaCabe decided all three were guilty, two of at least throwing punches and kicking the boy. He also determined that all three lied about the incident.

And even though he found Moerman and Rivera were not credible when they denied taking any part in roughing Vasquez up he believed they told the truth about Porter.

Cops may be squeamish about reporting their own, but they won’t frame an innocent officer, LaCabe said.

“Can you believe Officer Moerman and Rivera when they say Officer Porter jumped on Mr. Vasquez’ back?,” LaCabe said. “I found based on circumstances and this culture that you absolutely can believe them.”

Tom McGhee: (303)954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com