As I understand, it's not a good idea to drop the soap in the prison shower. It's definitely not a good idea to bend over and pick it up. Kneeling is an option but I'm not sure if it's appropriate for Derek, I know from experience that kneeling in front of guys restricts your breathing and may cause temporary gagging.
I also understand that many of those upstanding, honest black folk there might take offence at having a criminal among their midst. Others may wish to reach out and build interracial bridges with him to help in his rehabilitation.
So what's the future like for Derek?