Detective Virgil Tibbs is a fictional character created by author John Ball. He first appeared in the 1965 novel "In the Heat of the Night," which was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Tibbs is an African American homicide detective from Philadelphia who becomes involved in a murder investigation in a racially charged Southern town. In the story, Tibbs faces prejudice and hostility but uses his intelligence and skills to solve the case. The character is notable for challenging racial stereotypes and highlighting social issues, making him a significant figure in both literature and film.