Sexual assault investigations are among the most sensitive, complex, and fragile cases an officer will encounter. The private nature of these crimes, delayed reporting, trauma, limited witnesses, and a victim’s reluctance or inability to participate can create significant investigative challenges—but these cases are no longer simply a matter of “he said, she said.” This course equips officers with practical strategies to build strong, evidence-based cases from the initial report through prosecution. Participants will learn the importance of thorough evidence identification, collection, and preservation; the critical role of a timely SANE examination; and specialized, trauma-informed interviewing techniques designed to obtain accurate and meaningful information without compromising the investigation. The course also emphasizes persistent and strategic follow-up, corroborating evidence, digital and physical evidence, suspect interviews, witness development, and other investigative tools that can strengthen a case beyond the victim’s statement alone. Because victim cooperation may change or diminish as a case progresses, officers will learn how to investigate with the goal of building a case that can stand on the totality of the evidence—with or without continued victim participation. With the right tactics, preparation, and investigative mindset, officers can uncover the evidence that transforms a difficult allegation into a case capable of moving successfully into the courtroom.