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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

Drone NIST

XSDN

Participants will navigate a structured NIST Open Lane course. The NIST Level 1 course is a standardized drone-pilot skills test that challenges students to complete precise takeoff, navigation, and camera-based tasks used in real law-enforcement missions. This course provides a safe, controlled way for high school competitors to demonstrate foundational flight skills, follow safety procedures, and be scored on consistent, repeatable performance.

Skills Assessment

Drone Search and Rescue

XRDS

The Drone Competition Event challenges teams to demonstrate proficiency in precision drone operations and Search & Rescue (SAR) tactics. The Search and Rescue Drone Event is designed to provide students with a structured, law-enforcement–based application of drone technology for locating missing persons and assessing emergency situations. This event emphasizes professionalism, accurate decision-making, and safe drone operation within realistic search-and-rescue scenarios.

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. This is one event which will be judged together across all career clusters.

Prepared

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Latest News

Fire PSA Submission Insrtuctions

23 days ago

If you have competitors in the Fire Service Public Service Announcement event, please read and review the below instructions on how to submit the PSA videos prior to the conference. This is a prepared event. There is no in-person presentation at the conference. All video entries are judged prior to the competition per the guidelines. Submission Timeline Specific deadlines with exact dates/times are available in myTPSA Opens: The day following the close of late registration. Closes: 7 days prior to the first day of the conference. Submission Instructions Ensure all entries are uploaded before the submission window closes. Once the window is closed, no more submissions will be accepted. Video files must be uploaded by the advisor through myTPSA: Navigate to the specific Conference page in myTPSA. Select "Submissions" in the navigation bar. Review the specific upload requirements and exact deadlines listed within the portal.

Announcement

Drone Events

23 days ago

Guidelines for this year's drone events have been finalized and published. We apologize for the delay in releasing this information so close to the start of Regional Conferences. There are two separate exhibition events available this year, both are available at regional conferences and the state conference: XRDS Drone Search and Rescue (Scored) XSDN Drone NIST (Timed) Participation & Registration Chapter Limit: Each chapter may submit one (1) team of two (2) students for each event. Exhibition Status: These events do not count toward the standard two-competition limit per student. How to Register: Students must be registered in myTPSA. Select "XRDS Drone Search and Rescue" or "XSDN Drone NIST" in the competition section. State Conference: Qualification is not required for the State Conference. There is no advancement process based on Regional placement or scores. Registration for these events at State is open to all chapters. Mandatory Requirements Certification: Competitors must be FAA TRUST Certified (free). Advisors must upload these certificates for team members prior to arriving at the competition. Equipment: Teams must bring their own drones. Specific requirements are detailed in the newly published event guidelines. If you have questions or need help, reply to this email or contact [email protected].

Announcement
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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.