Tibbs is a police detective with a keen mind and professional attitude, as well as a strong sense of personal ethics. Tibbs has a black belt in karate and a brown belt in aikido. Like many fictional detectives, he is also perceptive and a polymath. He demonstrates an extensive depth and breadth of knowledge in many fields of the arts, sciences, and modern culture. His demeanor is cold and intellectual. He tolerates non-criminal behaviors outside of the social mainstream, such as nudism.