Police Officer
Gillespie is questioning Virgil in the early hours of the morning believing him to be a criminal. Ironically, Virgil is a police officer just as he is and he doesn't have a clue.
Colbert
Sam has brought Virgil in for questioning for the murder of Mr. Colbert. Ironically, Sam hasn't questioned Virgil and therefore doesn't know that Tibbs is a police officer just like himself.
Help
Virgil is on the phone with his Chief in Philadelphia to apologize for getting him involved in the miscommunication of the Mississippi P.D. Ironically, the Chief tells him to help the local Mississippi police department with their murder case rather than coming back home.
#1
Gillespie tells Virgil's police chief that they don't need his expertise, which is homicides, to solve Mr. Colbert's murder. Ironically, Gillespie asks Virgil to have a look at the photographs of the deceased as soon as he's off the phone with the Philadelphia Chief.
Racist
Gillespie has brought Virgil in to question him, believing he is the man who murdered Mr. Colbert, and because he is black. Ironically, by then end of their meeting Gillespie is asking for Virgil's help on the case, even admitting that he isn't an expert at homicides and that Virgil is.
