BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Prisoners rights advocates are weighing in on the latest developments at the Erie County Holding Center.

Prisoners are People Too organizers say getting federal investigators and suicide prevention specialists in the building are steps in the right direction.

Director Karima Amin says allowing an Erie County official to escort the federal investigators through the building may hinder prisoners and employees from responding honestly to investigators.

“Retaliation is real, and sometimes when you standup, speak out and tell the truth, people don’t want to hear it. That can be dangerous,” Amin said.

The prisoner advocacy group plans to hold their weekly protest with the Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition Wednesday afternoon in front of the holding center.