Subpostmasters were found to have used pre-Horizon Capture software without any training from the Post Office, a similar oversight that contributed to the Post Office Horizon scandal. Despite a document from 1995 stating that users were trained, former subpostmasters have revealed they never received any training on the Capture system. This lack of adequate training on the Horizon system has been cited as a major issue in the miscarriage of justice that occurred.
After the airing of ITV’s drama on the Horizon scandal, former Post Office branch managers came forward with similar experiences of problems with Capture, the predecessor to Horizon. Despite a document outlining training provision in the Capture system, users have stated that they received no training at all. For example, Steve Marston purchased his own PC to run Capture and was left to figure it out on his own, leading to serious issues in his branch accounts.
The lack of training and support in using Capture has parallels with the problems experienced by Horizon users. Issues with software bugs causing unexplained shortfalls were common, and many subpostmasters struggled to navigate the system. This was further highlighted by an independent report in 2013, which exposed the false claims of robustness and bug-free software by the Post Office.
The training provision for Capture will be closely examined by investigators following the appointment of specialist investigators Kroll to determine if the software may have led to wrongful prosecutions of subpostmasters. The Post Office has not yet commented on these allegations. The development and implementation of Capture will continue to be scrutinized in the ongoing investigation into the Post Office scandal.