What are some examples of prejudice in In the heat of the night?

In "In the Heat of the Night," prejudice is prominently depicted through the racial tensions between the white residents of Sparta, Mississippi, and the African American detective Virgil Tibbs. Characters like Chief Gillespie initially exhibit overt racism, reflecting societal attitudes of the 1960s. The hostility and suspicion directed at Tibbs, despite his expertise, highlight the systemic discrimination faced by Black individuals. Additionally, the film illustrates how prejudice can hinder justice, as Tibbs confronts both personal and institutional biases while solving the murder case.