Punishment is not effective in stimulating cooperation

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Our community recently hired some private security called vigilante. Each building was then taxed to pay a monthly sum to the community to take care of the vigilante and refuse disposal. But some buildings have refused to cooperate. The vigilante have been complaining. One morning, to enforce payment, they locked up the gate leading to the community. Anyone who wants to go out has to show his or her receipt of monthly payment. This was done with the cooperation of the community association. The residents, those owing, tried to force their way out of the gate forcefully. The vigilante resisted. A fight ensued between them. Eventually, the police were called. The police told the owing residents that the community association and vigilantes were right - they should pay for services rendered. One of the residents slept in the prison that night. Some of the residents have retaliated. They do not want to be part of the community association. They have no right to impose dues upon them. We all know though that we need the vigilante. If they are not paid, we have to be our own security. That is the dilemma we are now faced with in our community. This situation shows that punishment might not be effective in encouraging cooperation. Any experience or comment are welcome.