The FBI opened a national forensic DNA database Tuesday, which has critics concerned about inhibiting citizens’ privacy. But Loras Jaeger, director of the Department of Public Safety, said the database will prove valuable for protecting the innocent and prosecuting the guilty.

“We may give up certain constitutional rights, but there will be ample amount of court decisions that should protect the rights of individuals,” Jaeger said.

DNA, which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, is found in human cells and contains the genetic code of individuals. It can be found in hair, skin cells, saliva, sweat and vaginal and seminal fluids — all elements of evidence that are detected from crimes such as rape and assault.

Jaeger called the database a valuable tool. DPS has used “very little” DNA testing and primarily lets the FBI or Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) handle the costs and procedures of tests that are conducted, he said.

The same is true for the Ames Police Department. Sgt. Randy Kessell of the APD said they collect evidence at crime scenes and primarily turn over evidence needed for DNA testing to the DCI in Des Moines.

Kessell feels the nationwide database is a good tool for judiciaries in giving a verdict and for the protection of citizens.

“People have been accused of crime and spent years in prison,” Kessell said, referring to overturned cases where convicted criminals were proven innocent because of DNA tests. “DNA testing is turning over some prior convictions.”

Kessell said DNA testing is “something needed for the times we live in.”

He said it is necessary because of the misleading and deceptive ways serial killers and other “copy-cat” criminals orchestrate their crimes. It also will be helpful in capturing criminals that move from one place to another, he said.

“This will be a fantastic tool for American law enforcement,” Kessell said.

According to The New York Times, the database has been in the making for nearly a decade and has already been a critical tool for law enforcement officials in Britain.

In the United States, blood samples of what Jaeger calls “career criminals” and individuals who have a serious criminal record are retained by individual states and organized in DNA banks.

“There are a significantly small percentage of people who commit a large number of crimes,” Jaeger said.

The database was completed in June after Rhode Island became the last state to set up a DNA bank, according an article in The Times.

The article also said civil libertarians fear the system will be abused and will expand to include everyone, not just criminals, which may give the government unconstitutional investigative powers over citizens.

The Times said access to the DNA database is permitted only for law enforcement purposes. A $100,000 fine is issued for unauthorized disclosures.

As of yet, there are no known violations of the system.