 Chapter 5. Recording Data Permitted first responders have a critical role to play in early data collection. Once bodies have been recovered with a unique code allocated, data, including photographs, must be collected immediately, if possible, safely at the scene, before valuable opportunities are lost and the body becomes unrecognizable. The data collection process starts with photographing the scene, which is mandatory and critical in identifying a body when combined with accurately recorded data. Each body or body part should be managed separately and, with permission from the police investigator and forensic expert, recovered from the scene. Once in a safe location, they can be cleaned of any blood, fluids or dirt in order to photograph identifying features and clothing properly. The unique body code must be clearly readable in all photographs. It's crucial to take properly composed clear photos of the body, according to recommended camera angles with a scale for clarity. A dead body information form should be used to collect data, which can be matched with information about those missing or presumed dead. Other general and unique features should be collected, including the features, details, specific location on the body and color, shape or size. A person should also be assigned to record vital info like sex, height, age, hair color and any distinctive marks on a dead body information form to send to a centralized location for authorities. This can improve identification efforts. Any personal belongings should be removed and documented at the mortuary, then photographed with a scale and case number and kept with the body in its body bag or container. These must be recorded under the unique body code to assist with later identification. If there's a match with a missing person's form and bereaved relatives are asked to identify a body, they should be shown high quality photos taken prior to decomposition to increase reliability and reduce emotional distress. Images of clothing and belongings can also be shown. Finally, a positive identification should be verified by qualified forensic experts and legally approved by state authorities before the body can be released to the family. Bodies that cannot be identified should be properly stored above ground or in organized, traceable and marked and mapped burial sites, pending identification. Of course, accurate identification of many bodies requires collaboration with experts and forensic tools, but the success of these measures relies heavily on the key early steps taken by first responders.