There are five permanently manned MCCs in the UK at Aldergrove, Bulford, Catterick, Colchester and Portsmouth, and one in Germany at Sennelager. Including the Court Officers, the MCS employs a further 28 personnel at the MCCs.
The administrative costs of the MCCs are funded by the MCS, but draw on Commands/Stations within which they are located for administrative support; notably the provision of a Court Usher, his assistant and additional staff to carry out general duties during each assize.
The court system is entirely "portable" and trials can be held outside of the MCCs; recent examples have included Brunei, Belize, Canada, Cyprus and USA. All such trials are supported by fully trained Court Staff provided from HQ MCS and the MCCs.
Role - The Military Court Service is to deliver a criminal court service for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (the Services).
Aim - To carry out the timely, impartial and efficient administration of Service court proceedings.
Motto - "Independent and Impartial"
Independence - The Military Court Service is to be entirely independent of:
- The Service Prosecuting Authority
- The Service chains of command
- Those MOD branches responsible for discipline casework
The Director of the Military Court Service is appointed as the Court Administration Officer by the Defence Council. He/she is accountable to the Service Justice Board and is a permanent member of the Service Justice Executive Group.
Strategic Objectives:
- Promotion of modern, fair, effective and efficient administration of the Service Justice System.
- Achievement of best value for money
- Continuous improvement of performance and efficiency across all aspects of the military courts' work
- Collaboration with the full range of Service Justice System stakeholders to improve the service provided to all those required to participate in court proceedings
- Creation of greater confidence in, and respect for, the Service Justice System
- Achievement of excellence as an employer