Dr. Bass became head of the university's anthropology department in 1971, and as official state forensic anthropologist for Tennessee he was frequently consulted in police cases involving decomposed human remains.
Saanud 1971. aastal ülikooli antropoloogia osakonna juhatajaks ning olles seega ametlik Tennessee osariigi kohtuantropoloog, konsulteeris politsei lagunevaid kehi puudutavate juhtumite puhul tihti temaga.