Morgan Freeman has one of the most recognizable voices of all time. He’s lent narration to plenty of projects over the years, especially in the science and nature scenes. As an avid environmentalist, those are just some of the things he uses his platform to speak about. One of his latest projects takes a departure from those avenues, however. Instead of the oceans or space, it focuses on the police community.
While doing a promotional run for “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain,” Freeman opened up about his thoughts on police. Here’s what he said.
Morgan Freeman Offers His Support to Those in Uniform
“The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain” is an emotionally charged film that finds Morgan Freeman as one of its Executive Producers. IMDb relays its description as a movie about a police confrontation with fatal consequences. It follows police as they do a wellness check on an elderly African American man diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately, the elderly man dies during a conflict that breaks out between him and the police during their check. The film is based on a true story.
In talking about the police community, Morgan Freeman revealed his support for them.
“Police work is, aside from all the negativity around it, it is very necessary for us to have them and most of them are guys that are doing their job. They’re going about their day-to-day jobs. There are some police that never pulled their guns except in rage, that sort of thing. I don’t know.” He also went on to say that “I’m not in the least bit for defunding the police” in his interview.
You can hear him speak here:
Putting His Money Where His Mouth Is
Sure, many celebrities can make big statements about big topics. What does that matter, though, if they don’t follow up those promises with action? Morgan Freeman is an example of someone who puts his money where his mouth is, at least in terms of backing the blue.
Not too long ago, he and a Criminal Justice professor from the University of Mississippi donated to the cause. Freeman and Linda Keena actually donated $1 million to the school directly in order to create a Center for Evidence-Based Policing and Reform.
When asked about the reason behind the program’s start, Freeman said this: “Look at the past year in our country – that sums it up.” He then went on to explain that their program aims to change the inflammatory perception of police to one of respect.
“It’s time we are equipping police officers with training and ensuring ‘law enforcement’ is not defined only as a gun and a stick. Policing should be about that phrase ‘To Serve’ found on most law enforcement vehicles.”
