In prison, we don’t have text and email reminders about medical, dental and counseling appointments. Instead, we have a unique notification system that relies on small red paper slips that are passed out by an officer. These slips are called “ducats.”
The word ducat originates from the late 14th century, when it was used to refer to trade coins.
When a resident receives a ducat, it’s mandatory that they appear for the appointment on time, dressed in “blues,” with ID and the red slip in hand.
No matter the weather, you must leave your cell to make your appointment. Whether it’s scorching hot or pouring rain, you must make your way to whatever building has summoned you. Arriving late or not arriving at all puts you at risk of receiving disciplinary action.
If you are unfortunate enough to hear an alarm go off while going to your appointment, you’ll have to sit down on the ground and wait. This is called “putting the yard down.”
There have been many times that I have had to wait, sitting on the hard concrete of the yard.
Before my incarceration, I remember waiting, relaxed in my car in the pouring rain with the cozy heater and comforting radio. That’s not the case here. I have waited outside soaked in the freezing rain while waiting to be called.
If someone forgets about their ducat and does not report to their appointment, a voice over the prison yard speaker calls them repeatedly. But some guys wear big headphones blasting loud music to avoid hearing the general prison commotion and miss their name being called. Officers will then put the yard down until they find the particular person.
After he is discovered, he must take the “walk of shame,” peppered by continuous loud boos and humorous jabs made by people riled up about the put-down.
