September 17, 2013 - Sheriff Howard talks to the media today regarding the opening of the new Reception Area (formerly the gym ) inside the Erie County Holding Center. This $1.2 million dollar project allows for a more streamlined transition of inmates once they enter the facility. (All of a prisoner's medical, mental and security classifications will occur in one area as opposed to several different locations within the jail) The Sheriff's Office is committed to responding and adapting to the ever changing needs of the inmate population.