Families can now visit their loved ones from home.
The Erie County Holding Center and correctional facility have launched video visits for inmates.
The video visitation offers families, friends, and professional visitors the choice to see an inmate from their home or office. The program is accessible through www.icsolutions.com or the ICS mobile app.
The video service fee is $12.50 per call and can last up to 25 minutes.
A relative can schedule a video visit 24-hours in advance. The inmate receives the notification and can accept or decline the invitation.
Last year, Sheriff Howard and the County partnered with IC Solutions to provide telephone services and install video kiosks in housing units and lobbies for inmates.
Officials say the new technology will reduce the number of attempts to smuggle contraband into facilities.
The Sheriff's office reports 75 friends and family members have already created accounts.
