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Competitive Events

Forensic Science

Our Forensic Science competitive events are crafted to allow budding forensic experts to prove their investigative prowess. In our endeavor to develop a career-ready forensic science workforce in Texas, these events deliver vital hands-on experience and insights. Whether you're a high school student keen on solving crimes through science or an educator focused on providing real-world applications, TPSA's competitive events are your pathway to mastery.

Anthropology

SSAN

The Anthropology event challenges competitors to identify bones and estimate the victim's height. Participants will then match their findings to a list of missing persons, aiming to solve a simulated forensic puzzle.

Skills Assessment

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

SSBS

The Bloodstain Pattern Analysis event tasks competitors with deciphering the origin of a simulated bloodstain. Participants will employ calculations and stringing techniques to determine direction, area of convergence, and angle of impact.

Skills Assessment

Crime Scene Investigation

SRCS

The Crime Scene Investigation event challenges competitors to secure, process, and document a simulated crime scene. Participants will identify and collect evidence, adhering to forensic guidelines.

Roleplay

Fiber Analysis

SSHA

In the Fiber Analysis event, competitors will analyze a fiber sample to determine if the fiber is natural or synthetic based on microscopic and chemical analysis. They will justify their choice, in a written conclusion, based on their identified characteristics.

Skills Assessment

Fingerprint Collection and Analysis

SSFC

The Fingerprint Collection and Analysis event tests competitors' skills in locating and lifting fingerprints. Participants will then engage in comparative analysis to match the lifted print to known samples.

Skills Assessment

Job Exhibit

XPJE

The Job Exhibit event encourages competitors to research various roles within TPSA's specific career clusters. Competitors will research salary and benefits, education and training requirements, natural abilities and required skills, availability of jobs, opportunities for advancement and any additional benefits or perks that would attract potential applicants. Participants will present their findings through a tri-fold visual display, offering insights into job requirements, salary, and advancement opportunities. Participants can choose any career cluster, however, chapters are limited to 5 entries across all clusters.

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Latest News

Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year!

93 days ago

Welcome to the 2024-25 year! We hope that you are as excited as we are about the changes we’ve made for this year! From new events, easier registration and testing out variable numbers of team members, we have tried to listen to our membership and continue to make improvements to our organization. As we move together towards tomorrow, we will continue to build on our strengths, embrace new strategies, and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Let’s make this year one of growth, collaboration, and exceptional service. Please take a moment to read through the updates and take a look at the new website. Also, make sure you read about our new recruitment incentive! It’s a great way to earn a discount on your state registration! Registration information will be coming soon, and check out your region pages for dates and deadlines. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Melissa Hollingsworth TPSA President Updates: We are excited to announce that we created several new events and made changes to a few for this year. They are: Law Enforcement - Crash Investigation is back! Law Facility Design Police Press Conference Fire Fire Facility Design Forensics Hair Analysis is now Fiber Analysis All Events Job Exhibit One event judged together; entries across all clusters 5 total teams per chapter Wanting to help out? Apply here Refer new schools to TPSA and earn a discount on your state fees. We are testing having a variable number of competitors in a few events. This does affect our Drop Policy We are developing a new program to give out Community Service awards. This is still in progress, so feel free to send us your ideas! All rubrics will be available for review and feedback from September 2-9. If you have any feedback for rubrics, please email [email protected].

Announcement

Competition Rulebook

320 days ago

TPSA Members, I hope this letter finds you well and thriving. As we navigate the 2023-2024 school year and implement our new policies and procedures, there may be instances where revisions are necessary to clarify existing policies and procedures. After the successful conclusion of our first regional conference, we received valuable feedback from advisors regarding the 60-point minimum score required to advance to the State Conference. It has come to our attention that there is a gap in the scoring policy, particularly in addressing scores falling between 59.00 and 59.99 points. Following thorough discussions among the Executive Council and Board of Directors, we have reached a resolution to address this scoring policy gap. Effective immediately, the updated rulebook states that if a competitor or team scores between 59.50 and 59.99 and secures 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place at the Regional Conference, they will advance to the State Conference. However, if a competitor or team scores between 59.00 and 59.49 and places 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at the Regional Conference, they will not advance to the State Conference. We understand the importance of clear and transparent competition rules, and this amendment seeks to enhance the overall experience for all participants. As we move forward with the TPSA events throughout the year, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the updated rulebook to ensure a smooth and equitable competition for everyone involved. Thank you for your continued support of TPSA, and we look forward to an exciting and successful school year. Best regards, Kira Hassler Newsom Executive Director

Announcement
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7544 FM 1960 Rd E
PMB 118
Humble, TX 77346

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TPSA is committed to creating and maintaining a healthy and respectful environment for all of our members. Our philosophy is to ensure all members, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status are treated equally and respectfully. Any behavior in the form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of all members to uphold and contribute to this climate.