Policing Work: Emotions and Violence in Institutional Work

We merge research on institutional policing with the growing interest in violence in organization studies to explore how citizen enforcement of regulations can evoke emotion and even, under certain circumstances, turn violent. We draw on long interviews to explore how fly fishing guides enforce catch-and-release fishing regulations in the absence of the state. Our primary theoretical contribution is the development of the policing work construct, including a typology of different policing tactics. Therein, we unpack how emotional thresholds explain shifts away from peaceful enforcement tactics fostered by everyday emotions and towards violent tactics reinforced by extraordinary emotions and a desire for vengeance. We also reflect on the constitutive role of violence in policing work, shedding light on vigilantes as a veiled yet crucial line of defense for enforcing institutions. Finally, we show that institutional custodianship can be claimed by ordinary citizens, motivated by their deep connection to and guardianship of an institution’s integrity.