Private investigators say blending in is central to their work

Two recent graduates of the Canadian School of Private Investigation and Security in Toronto say being unassuming helps with surveillance and witness interviews; the school's general manager says about half of his students are women.

Two recent graduates of the Canadian School of Private Investigation and Security in Toronto describe blending in and being unassuming as part of their approach to investigative work. Lauren Berger, 25, and Liana Najem, 30, spoke about how listening and patience help them gather information. The school’s general manager, Edward Franco, said being unassuming can be an asset in surveillance and interviews. The article notes the number of female students at the school has grown and now makes up about half of enrolment. Known details: - Lauren Berger, 25, is a recent graduate of CSPIS in Toronto and has a bachelor’s degree in criminology from York University; she describes herself as unassuming. - Liana Najem, 30, is a CSPIS alumnus with a journalism diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and emphasizes listening and patience. - Edward Franco, general manager of CSPIS, said being unassuming helps in areas such as insurance investigation, witness interviews and surveillance. - Franco said about half of CSPIS students are women and that female investigators are often effective in interacting with the public and in surveillance because they can be less intimidating. - Berger said she hopes to help reunite families and assist people in violent situations, and Najem said she is drawn to independent, non-traditional work rather than a standard 9-5 schedule. Summary: The article highlights how soft-spoken tactics and blending into surroundings are presented as practical tools for early-career private investigators, and it notes a growing presence of women in training programs. Undetermined at this time.