Final answer:
Police work has, from its earliest origins, been an instrument of social control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Egon Bittner has stated that police work has, from its earliest origins, been an instrument of social control. Social control refers to the regulation and enforcement of norms in society. Police, as agents of social control, play a crucial role in maintaining law and order by apprehending criminals and preventing deviant behavior. They ensure that individuals adhere to societal norms and discourage any actions that may disrupt social order or harm the community.