The acronym HOSTAGE SITUATION stands for 'Harmless Options for Safety Through Active Engagement'. This term is used to describe a SITUATION in which a HOSTAGE or hostages are held by an armed individual or group. In such a SITUATION, the police or other law enforcement agencies may deploy a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team to resolve the SITUATION. SWAT teams are specially trained and equipped to handle high-risk situations such as HOSTAGE situations.