Take back control.

That’s what so many people in Pike County want to feel in the wake of several violent crimes that have left the community shaken, on edge and concerned.

And while law enforcement officials are working around-the-clock to solve the crimes, others in the community are focusing on self-protection and education.

Gun sales are on the rise; pepper spray and Tasers are being bought as quickly as they are stocked at stores; and self-defense classes are filling as quickly as enrollment is opened.

Pike County Circuit Clerk Jamie Scarbrough is taking the issue a step further by organizing a town hall meeting for county residents at 6 p.m.

She hopes residents will come to the meeting at the Pike County Courthouse on Tuesday to learn about what they can do to protect themselves – and stay within the bounds of Alabama law.

The state’s self-defense law provides wide leeway for residents to protect themselves from would-be attackers, home-invaders and more. But it’s critically important that we, as residents, understand what that law says and what it allows.

Being armed with information is just as important as being armed with pepper spray or a gun.

So take time on Tuesday to attend the “Taking Back our Community” town hall event.