UTPD Captain Tom Freels collects fingerprint evidence from the vending machine.
Food and drink have fueled many a generation of UT students as they chased their academic pursuits. Some have used their smarts for not-so-honest quests.
In the early 1970s, vintage vending machines and Coca-Cola machines on the UT campus were frequent targets of mischief at the hands of students. The machines were broken into and relieved of their popcorn, chips and sodas.
UTPD officers were frequently called upon to investigate these thefts.
In this early 1970s photo, UTPD Captain Tom Freels collects fingerprint evidence from the vending machine using tools from the fingerprint collection kit that is on top of the Coca-Cola machine.
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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.