EDITORIAL LAPD BLUES MAY DAY MELEE WILL COST CITY MILLIONS.

THERE are those, particularly the most vocal defenders of the Los Angeles Police Department, who argue that the May Day melee has been blown out of proportion.

Try telling that to the plaintiffs' attorneys.

To date, some 77 complaints have been filed against the city for the LAPD's over-exuberance that day. These, and many more, will likely become full-blown lawsuits. They'll end up costing untold millions in settlements, penalties, court costs and lawyers fees -- money that won't be available for vital city services.

Every one of us will pay the price for the LAPD's May 1 failure, which is why none of us can afford to take them lightly.

And it's why Chief William Bratton has admitted that the department messed up, and why he's initiated changes in staff responsibility and officer training.