One of the definitions of critical mass is an amount or level needed for a specific result or new action to occur.

In this case, it is our hope that we are approaching critical mass when it comes to violence in our hometown.

It is our hope the last gun-related crime, or violent crime, we reported would be the last such story we write.

It is our hope the time has come — the critical mass has been achieved — for a new action in Selma.

Over the past few years, we have watched as a number of organizations, groups and charities have been formed to battle crime in our community.

These groups take different approaches in their efforts. Some take on the social and economic ills in the community that often lead to criminal activity, while others look to reconciliation and rehabilitation.

Regardless of their approach, we applaud them for their efforts and call on others to join the fight.

We call on others to find how they can help, how they can make the community they live in, the place they call their hometown, better.

As local governments and municipalities prepare and finalize their budgets for next year, there will be a call to increase the level of funding for public safety departments such as the fire department, police department and sheriffs department.

We hope those who make the financial decisions will make the investment needed in our safe communities.

The stories of violence in our community are troubling, but they provide us — as a community — a challenge to find a solution.

With the combination of the public investment and community support, we feel confident significant improvements can be made.