Public Safety Communications Center

Meet Public Safety Communications Manager LaTonya McDaniel

Office of Operations – Public Safety Communications Division 

Public Safety Communications Manager LaTonya McDaniel began her public safety dispatch career in 1994 when she joined Sacramento Police Department as a Dispatcher Recruit in Basic Dispatch Academy Class 94-02. Prior to promoting as a first line supervisor, LaTonya served as a training officer, an instructor and team leader at the SacPD Dispatch Training Academy and was a founding member of the Tactical Dispatch Team. As a public safety dispatcher for SacPD, LaTonya was recognized twice as the unit’s Dispatcher of the Year in 1998 and 2003 and was one of the first full time public safety dispatchers placed in a limited term assignment to support the organization’s initiative in the early 2000’s for recruiting professional staff for Dispatch and Records positions.  

In 2003, LaTonya promoted to the rank of Dispatcher III and joined Late Watch as a first line supervisor on Swing Shift. In 2004, LaTonya was assigned to oversee the Dispatch Training Academy. During her time managing the division’s training unit, LaTonya established an officer program that trained police officers and CSOs working light-duty assignments at the 911 Call Center to answer incoming non-emergency calls.  

In 2006, LaTonya was promoted to the rank of Supervising Dispatcher. During her tenure as a Supervising Dispatcher, LaTonya managed the Early Watch Operations for the 911 Call Center as well as managed several key projects, some notable ones included coordinating the move of our Dispatch Operations to our current facility; improving the unit’s effectiveness and efficiency by realigning our Radio Dispatch Operations; creating a dedicated skill-set for answering incoming 911 calls exclusively while the organization was in the process of addressing staffing shortages; and completing an upgrade of the 911 telephone system and audio logging system – critical infrastructure in the center.

Throughout her career, LaTonya has participated in many community outreach programs that have allowed her to share her passion about public safety dispatching. One of her favorite programs is the nationally recognized Red E. Fox program, which focuses on helping children in grades K-2 understand the importance of calling 911 for “people emergencies”.

LaTonya possesses both undergraduate and post graduate degrees in business management with an emphasis in business operations from the University of Phoenix. Professional development certifications LaTonya holds include the CA POST Management Certificate, the NENA Center Manager Certification, and the NENA Emergency Number Professional Certification.

A native of Sacramento, LaTonya attended city schools in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood from preschool until graduating from Grant Union High School. She loves the city of Sacramento and feels honored to serve her community as a member of SPD. When she is off-duty, LaTonya enjoys reading, spending time with her family, volunteering at her church, and singing with her gospel group.