Recent developments in the use of Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology provide an alternative to voice and data communications for emergency and public safety personnel. In times of crisis, voice and data land-based communications system may experience outages caused by wind, water, and other types of physical assault. LEO offers a mobile, low-powered terminal with omni-directional antennas that are capable of co-existing with cellular and trunk radio frequencies. In the event the land-based systems fail, communications automatically switch to the satellite-based services. The mobile terminals are capable of supporting numerous digital-based applications such as voice, slow-video, data, telemetry, and officer safety information. System technical features are described followed by an analysis of the technological limitations of satellite systems, which include the requirement of a clear sky. Finally, the potential for satellite-based service to benefit other areas of public safety and emergency response is considered, including its potential to improve monitoring at United States borders.