How do bailiffs recover debts? In his study of this profession and the conditions in which it is successfully practised, the author examines the roles of the different protagonists in situations of debt recovery. An analysis of the empirical material gathered reveals that the knowledge constituting bailiffs' professional competency cannot be reduced to the implementation of legal and judicial procedures, and that its application necessarily involves the coordination of several general objectives. In the context of debt recovery bailiffs have to fulfil the creditor's request, observe the legal rules of the profession, take into consideration the debtor's situation and actions and, finally, act in their own interests.