As a companion program to CSI Arizona, we invite all artistically talented 7th – 12th grade students to submit a forensic sketch based on the provided witness statements for judging in this statewide competition.

All drawings will be evaluated, and each artist will receive a certificate of participation. A state winner will be announced and invited to the CSI Arizona State competition, where they will receive their award during the closing ceremony. Submitted illustrations may also be used in local news releases, statewide publications, and posted on our websites.

To register, each contestant must complete a Forensic Sketch Artist registration form and submit it along with their sketch prior to March 30, 2026. To participate, each contestant must download the provided witness statements that will be used to create a facial composite sketch. Full submissions (registration form + hard copy of sketch) must be received at the Foundation office by the deadline; late submissions will not be accepted. Only one submission per student will be accepted. Download the registration form and follow the instructions for submission.

If you prefer to drop off your submission in person, please coordinate a time with Foundation staff by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Rules:

• All court artists must observe all rules regarding ethical conduct for the CSI Arizona Program.
• Sketches must be created and completed solely by the artist submitting the sketches for judging without help from any outside sources.
• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or computer-generated images is forbidden.
• Sketches must be created and completed on paper that is 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
• Sketches must be black-and-white, and any dry medium may be used.
• No color is permitted.
• Artists must supply all their own materials.
• Because these pictures may be reproduced, they need to have strong enough line value and shading to be seen clearly once scanned.
• Submissions will be scored based on accuracy, detail, and clarity.
• Submissions must come from a teacher at the student’s current school. Student submissions will not be accepted.
• Submissions must be mailed to the Foundation office (ATTN: LRE Team, 4201 N 24th St, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85016) and must be sent flat. Submissions must be received by the deadline.
• Only one submission per student will be accepted.
• Any submissions received outside of these requirements will not be accepted.

Note:
All entries become the property of the Arizona Bar Foundation and may be used by the Foundation for whatever purpose is deemed appropriate. A panel of judges will judge sketches based on accuracy, detail, and clarity. The winner will be notified at the same time as the CSI Arizona State Competition team invites are released. An overall state winner will be announced and will be invited to attend the state competition where they will receive an award during the closing ceremony.

**If you would like your photo, school, and full name included, a media release form is required. Without it, we will list only your school, first name, and last initial.**

We are looking for virtual judges for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario in March. This event precedes the in-person competition in April. CSI Arizona is a Forensic Science program that combines science and law to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in both fields through the application of crime scene analysis, evidence gathering, and critical thinking. Students engage in practical experience of applying the law and science to real life scenarios.

 Volunteering at this event involves the following:

• Attending a virtual judge orientation where you will learn how to properly score submissions
• Judging student submissions (approximate time commitment of 1-2 hours) according to the rubric beginning March 17
• Sending your results back to the foundation by March 24 

Required CSI Arizona State Competition Judge qualifications:

• Officers with crime scene experience
• OR Professionals with forensic science experience 

To view the Foundation's volunteer overview, please click here!

If you are not available to serve as a judge, but would like to make a contribution to the program, please click here to donate online or send a check to:

Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Arizona Bar Foundation ATTN: CSI Program 4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 210 Phoenix, AZ 85016

Competition Overview

The prior qualification scenario requires teams of 4-6 students to produce a report documenting how the evidence from a mock crime scene was processed, preserved, analyzed, and interpreted. The top teams in each division, middle and high school, are invited to compete in the CSI Arizona State Competition.

We are seeking volunteer judges for the CSI Arizona State Competition! 

Morning Judges: check in at 7:00 a.m. followed by orientation and breakfast.

Afternoon Judges: check in at 11:30 a.m. followed by orientation and lunch.

All Day Judges: check in at 7:00 a.m. and judging will be completed at 4:00 p.m.

This timeline may change as event logistics are finalized. A confirmation email will be sent with any updates.

During the State Competition, each team will be presented with a simulated crime scene and will be evaluated in the following 5 areas:

• Crime scene processing & documentation
• Collection, preservation, & processing of physical evidence
• Physical evidence examination & interpretation
• Interviewing
• Final presentation of hypothesis

Volunteering at this event involves the following:

• Attending a judge orientation where you confer with your judging panel (breakfast included)
• 4 rounds of judging
• Lunch and attendance at the awards ceremony (optional)

Required CSI Arizona State Competition Judge qualifications:

• Officers with crime scene experience
• OR Professionals with forensic science experience

To view the Foundation's volunteer overview, please click here!

If you are not available to serve as a judge, but would like to make a contribution to the program, please click here to donate online or send a check to:

Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Arizona Bar Foundation ATTN: CSI Program 4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 210 Phoenix, AZ 85016

Competition Overview

During the State Competition, each team will be presented with a simulated crime scene and will be evaluated in the following 5 areas:

• Crime scene processing & documentation
• Collection, preservation, & processing of physical evidence
• Physical evidence examination & interpretation
• Interviewing
• Final presentation of hypothesis

Witnesses are needed from approximately 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by orientation and lunch. This timeline may change as event logistics are finalized. You will receive a confirmation email with any updated information. 

CSI Arizona State Competition witness overview:

• Witnesses will receive a script that they must follow as competition participants interview them as part of processing the crime scene.

To view the Foundation's volunteer overview, please click here!

If you are not available to serve as a judge, but would like to make a contribution to the program, please click here to donate online or send a check to:

Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Arizona Bar Foundation ATTN: CSI Program 4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 210 Phoenix, AZ 85016