Police outnumbered protesters penned inside a hot, dusty Jackson County Expo parking lot Friday as Vice President Dick Cheney’s motorcade made its way from the airport to the Compton Arena.

Fifteen demonstrators, who came to the Expo to voice anti-Cheney sentiments during his visit, admitted they were disappointed at the turnout.

"I think people were discouraged by the ‘free speech cage,’ " Applegate resident Arlene Aron said, referring to a small section of the parking lot designated by police as a protest area.

"Where’s the rest of the crew?" wondered Jason Plotts of Ashland, who rode a bicycle to the event while holding a sign reading "War Profiteer Not Welcome Here."

A sheriff’s deputy who stood nearby during the small protest admitted police also expected a larger demonstration. At one point, as many as 30 baton-toting officers dressed in black riot gear and dark glasses stood outside the fenced parking lot, peering in at the smaller group.

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A team of about 10 officers locked the parking lot’s main gate to keep protesters off Peninger Road while the vice president’s motorcade approached the fairground.

"That is absolutely ridiculous," said Melina Parrish, an Applegate Valley resident. "We’re normal citizens trying to express our right of freedom of speech, and they locked us in the parking lot."

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said the security measures were put in place "to ensure the safety of everyone."

"(Cheney’s speech) was a private event, and we were there to make sure they weren’t being interfered with," Winters said. "Sometimes, a strong police presence is what maintains the order."

No demonstrators were arrested during the event.

"We were prepared to handle business if it came to that," Winters said. "I’m glad it didn’t."

Winters estimated between 80 and 100 law enforcement officers handled fairgrounds and airport security during the event. Besides the sheriff’s department, participating agencies included city police from Medford, Central Point, Ashland, Eagle Point, Phoenix and Talent, Oregon State Police, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

The Secret Service notified local police agencies last week that their help would be needed during Cheney’s visit. Campaign organizers paid for much of the security detail, Winters said.

Reach reporter Jack Moran at 776-4459, or e-mail jmoran@mailtribune.com.