New events, updated guidelines, and an opportunity to share your feedback
We’re excited to share the proposed competitive event updates for the 2026–2027 school year. This year’s revisions include two new events, changes to existing competitions, and updates to scoring rubrics, required materials, and event instructions.
These updates are still under review and are not final. Please take time to review the guidelines and rubrics for the events your chapter participates in and send your feedback to [email protected].
The highlights below will help you get started, but please review the full event requirements, not just this summary.
Updates Across Events
Professionalism scoring. Across most returning events, Professionalism is being separated into two criteria: Professional Dress and Professional Behavior, worth up to 5 points each. The combined total remains 10 points. In some events, these criteria are moving out of Delivery and into a separate Professionalism category.
All paperwork will be provided by TPSA going forward. Competitors will no longer be allowed to bring in outside paper.
New Events
Law Enforcement: Public Service Announcement (LPPS)
Competitors create a 30–60 second video focused on “Move Over, Slow Down” laws protecting emergency responders, tow truck drivers, and stranded motorists. The event combines accurate public safety information with creativity and effective messaging to raise community safety awareness.
Correctional Services: Recruitment Video (CPRV)
Competitors create a 45–90 second recruitment video promoting a career in corrections. Videos should accurately portray the profession and use clear, creative messaging to attract qualified candidates.
Both new events are prepared, remotely judged video competitions for teams of 1–2 competitors, with up to 5 teams per chapter in each event. Videos must show all team members on camera, include a call to action and at least one statistic from a reputable source, and end with the TPSA logo. Entries containing copyrighted footage or music will be disqualified. Advisors submit videos through myTPSA at least 3 days before Regional Competition, with a new submission required before the State deadline for advancing teams.
Law Enforcement
Active Threat Response (ALERRT) — LRSW. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) is being reimagined as Active Threat Response, with an emphasis on forming a contact team, responding to an active threat, and providing casualty care. The event retains its six-person team and overall 20-minute limit, but removes the fixed planning and execution time split. The draft also requires at least one team member to hold a Stop the Bleed certification submitted online before competition.
Facility Design — LPFD. The 3D model requirements specify that the Sally Port/Processing Area must match the corresponding aerial blueprint design.
Report Writing — LSRW. The draft changes the laptop from competitor-provided to TPSA-provided. Competitors are instructed not to bring a laptop or USB drive to the event. TPSA will provide computers for competitors to write and submit their reports on.
Suspect Apprehension — LSSA. Instructions clarify that competitors have 5 minutes to complete the course, but time is not a scoring factor. The revision also removes the previous “may not move on” language associated with several individual stations.
Correctional Services
Cell Extraction — CRCE. The team leader must develop and verbalize the plan with teammates before starting. Searching the inmate after removal becomes a separate criterion worth up to 4 points, with corresponding point reductions to handcuffing, leg irons, and double-lock criteria.
Fire Service
Public Service Announcement — FPPS. The theme changes to testing fire alarms and replacing their batteries regularly. All team members must appear in the video, although additional actors may participate. The rules also explicitly state that copyrighted footage or music will result in disqualification.
First Responder — FRFR. Current Basic First Aid and CPR Training certifications must be submitted online before competition, replacing the requirement to present an original physical certification card.
Search and Rescue — FSRR. The Bunker Gear stage specifies that competitors begin in a t-shirt, BDUs, and tennis shoes or boots before donning their gear.
Forensic Science
Crime Scene Investigation — SRCS. The opening task shifts from interviewing the first responding officer to reviewing case details and documenting the legality of the search and which ancillary agencies must be notified. Rubrics remove officer-interview scoring and increase the Evidence Log criterion from 5 to 10 points. The materials list also identifies TPSA-provided logs, notes, sketch paper, and photo placard materials, along with a new event paperwork document.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis — SSBS. Rubric revisions clarify the Area of Origin distance thresholds, correct an inverted scoring description, and expand partial-credit options. The Demonstrate by Stringing criterion also revises the descriptions distinguishing the actual and calculated areas of origin.
Fingerprint Collection and Analysis — SSFC. Absorbent pads, a flashlight, and legal-size white copy paper are explicitly marked as optional materials.
Fiber Analysis — SSHA. The assessment activity itself changes from 20 to 15 minutes. A TPSA-provided answer document replaces the written-summary format. Rubrics introduce more detailed scoring for microscope and burn-test findings, revise identification and evidence-packaging scores, and remove the slide-labeling requirement.
Cross-Cluster Events
Job Exhibit — XPJE. The presentation time limit changes from 15 to 10 minutes. Several rubric criteria gain expanded scoring ranges, and Preparedness adds an Unsatisfactory scoring option. These revisions affect presentation delivery and several career-research criteria.
Drone NIST / Search and Rescue. Revisions remain in development for the 2027 State Conference.
Review and Share Your Feedback
Please review the event guidelines, scoring rubrics, materials lists, and supporting documents with your competitors. We want to hear about unclear instructions, scoring concerns, equipment requirements, or changes that would better reflect the skills students are learning.
Email your feedback to [email protected]. Include the event name, the specific requirement or rubric criterion you are addressing, and your suggested change. Providing the wording or section you are referring to will help us review your feedback.
Thank you for taking the time to help improve TPSA’s competitive events. Your experience in the classroom and at competition is an important part of getting these updates right.