Bloomington Police Search Landfill for Lauren Spierer

There’s still no sign of Lauren Spierer of Edgemont, missing since June 3rd, 2011 at Indiana University in Bloomington. As hope of finding her alive has dimmed, some pressed police to search area landfills and they have now complied. In the press release below, dated August 16, police offer the specifics of a search of the Sycamore Ridge Landfill that was launched on Tuesday with help from the FBI, Indiana University Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The search time is estimated to be two weeks. Also below, find a statement from Lauren’s family.

From the Bloomington Police: The Bloomington Police Department has begun looking for evidence at the Sycamore Ridge Landfill related to the disappearance of Lauren Spierer. The operation began at approximately 7:00 a.m. today. The Sycamore Ridge Landfill is located in Pimento, IN (Vigo County). The Department is being assisted by agents from the FBI, officers from the Indiana University Police Department and a search expert from Team Adam affiliated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Approximately 20-30 law enforcement personnel from all of the agencies will participate each day. The area of interest within the landfill is estimated to be approximately 70’ X 120’ X 20’ and the search effort may take up to two weeks.

Preparations for this undertaking began within days of Lauren Spierer being reported missing on June 3, 2011. It should be noted that dumpsters in the area of 11th and College were included in the initial search effort by police that took place immediately after Spierer was reported missing. As an additional precaution, during the week of June 6th initial contact was made with the companies providing waste collection for the dumpsters located near 11th and College. It was determined that all waste from Bloomington is taken to a transfer station south of the city and then transported to the Sycamore Ridge Landfill. While working with the company that operates the landfill, Republic Services, waste that was taken from the city on and around the dates of Spierer’s disappearance was identified at the landfill site. That location within the landfill has remained isolated and secured since that time with no additional waste placed in the identified area.

As preliminary preparations for checking the landfill began, the decision was made to allow ongoing land search efforts to continue. Thousands of civilian and professional searchers covered a perimeter of 10-12 miles from Spierer’s last reported location. Additional specific rural locations that were identified as possible disposal sites were also searched both inside and outside of Monroe County.

The Team Adam landfill search experts affiliated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children began working with investigators in early July even as other efforts continued. An extensive plan was developed including determining the number of personnel needed, what agencies would be able to contribute personnel, what safety equipment and tools would be needed and where that equipment could be obtained. Other logistical considerations include such things as wash stations, restroom facilities, shelter, food, water and daily transportation for search personnel from Bloomington to the Terre Haute area.

Once the plan was finalized, the week of August 15th was chosen as a start date for the operation. In the interim, the personnel and equipment resources that would be needed as part of the plan were identified and procured.

The following statement is being released on behalf of the Spierer family:

“Please keep all the members of the Bloomington Police Department and all other law enforcement agencies who are assisting in this incredibly complex undertaking to search the landfill safe. With sincere thanks and appreciation for their continued support in our efforts to find Lauren.”

Rob, Charlene and Rebecca Spierer