Select a chairperson for the committee
The person who serves as the chairperson for the CIT Steering Committee may not be the same person who initiated the conversation about CIT. The CIT chairperson can come from any of the core partner groups and should be selected based on his or her leadership skills. It is imperative for a CIT chairperson to have skills that promote an atmosphere of respect, cooperation and goodwill. In addition, this individual should have a familiarity with existing mental health and criminal justice systems and their challenges. He or she should also have practical planning skills to keep group members focused and motivated. Finally, the individual should have the political savvy to navigate difficult situations, work with a variety of personalities and overcome obstacles.