Which of the following defines a seizure in police terms?

A seizure in police terminology refers to the exercise of control by law enforcement over an individual or their property. The definition focuses primarily on the concept of authority and the use of force that may be involved in that interaction.

When discussing a seizure, the critical element is whether a reasonable person would feel that they were free to leave or to ignore the police officer's directives. This concept includes instances where there is a show of authority, such as commands given by police, the display of badges, or the presence of weapons, all of which may impact a person's sense of freedom.

In contrast, taking away possessions relates more to the property aspect and does not capture the broader definition of personal freedom being curtailed. Issuing a fine is a legal consequence rather than a mechanism of control, and carrying out surveillance involves observation that does not directly restrict a person's freedom. Each of these alternatives lacks the essential component of authority or physical control indicated in a seizure, making the correct answer focus on the specifics of police authority during an interaction with individuals.