A hostage situation occurs when an individual or group is taken against their will and held by a captor, often to achieve a specific goal, such as ransom or political demands. These situations can arise in various settings, including banks, schools, or public places, and can involve armed individuals threatening the safety of the hostages. Law enforcement agencies typically respond to hostage situations with specialized teams trained in negotiation and crisis management. The primary objective is to ensure the safety of the hostages while resolving the situation peacefully, often involving negotiations with the captor to secure their release without violence.