Deputy David Holden has been employed at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for approximately 4.5 yrs. Deputy Holden graduated from the Gretna Police Academy in November 1995, and started his law enforcement career as a Reserve Officer for Gretna Police Department before applying to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Deputy Holden worked in patrol and traffic before transferring to Community Relations as a D.A.R.E. Officer. Deputy Holden's daily duties include visiting elementary schools teaching the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, which consists of visitations with younger students, Pre-K and up. Some responsibilities include teaching students about everyday difficulties, self esteem and drug prevention. D.A.R.E. Officers teach four days a week at various schools. Deputy Holden is also very active with the Junior Deputy Program.

Deputy David Holden's goals are to interact with the school personnel, students and teach students how to deal with friendships and peer pressure. When asked at what age did you want to be a Police Officer, Deputy Holden smiled from ear to ear. "I have always wanted to work in law enforcement. I have wanted to be a Police Officer since I can remember."