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#TimeWarpTuesday: A look back at UTPD through Historical Photos

Before moving to its current location, the UT Police Department was situated on UT Drive between Volunteer Boulevard and Andy Holt Avenue. A bush at the corner of the building, where officers poured out beer and other alcoholic beverages confiscated from students and the general public, came to be known as the booze bush. This academic year, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is commemorating its 225th anniversary. As part of that celebration, we will take a look back at the activities and transformation of the University of Tennessee Police Department through historical photos.

Call it Time Warp Tuesday.

The UT Board of Trustees authorized the establishment of the UT Police Department in 1965. Before that, the university employed public safety officers to monitor and protect university-owned property and the UT Medical Center.

During its 54-year history, UTPD has had eight leaders. The first three held the title of director. Since the late 1980s, five different chiefs have led the department.

Today’s look back: the booze bush.

Before moving to its current location, the UT Police Department was situated on UT Drive between Volunteer Boulevard and Andy Holt Avenue. A bush at the corner of the building, where officers poured out beer and other alcoholic beverages confiscated from students and the general public, came to be known as the booze bush. The tradition of watering the bush with confiscated alcohol began around 1983 and continued for about a decade. In this 1993 photo, watering the bush are Officer Charles Van Morgan (left) and Officer Richard Ficco. (Source: Volopedia, University Libraries)


This story is part of the University of Tennessee’s 225th anniversary celebration. Volunteers light the way for others across Tennessee and throughout the world.

Learn more about UT’s 225th anniversary