Tributes have been paid today to former Detective Superintendent PJ Browne who passed away suddenly, aged just 62. Mr. Browne had also been the crime analyst for the Herald newspaper and  was widely regarded as one of the top serious crime investigators in the country.

Mr. Browne was a native of county Kerry and was based in Dublin for the majority of his 35 year career with An Garda Siochana. Mr Browne also served in the Investigation Section which was also known as the ‘Murder Squad’  in the 1980s, as well as serving as Detective Inspector at the Bridewell and as a Garda in Cabra and Finea, Co Cavan.

Mr. Browne’s friend and former colleague Gerry O’Carroll paid tribute to him saying “PJ was one of the most able and intelligent detectives who served in the force. His skills as an investigator and a compiler of books of evidence were immense – and drew considerable praise from the courts and prosecutors. As a detective you could not hope for a more loyal comrade and colleague. He devoted his life to his family and An Garda Siochana. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

The INM editor-in-chief Stephen Rae also paid tribute to PJ saying “PJ was one of a kind. He was an excellent crime analyst for the Herald, unafraid to criticise the force and incisive in his commentary. He and his old colleague and friend, Gerry O’ Carroll blazed a trail on this island as cop turned commentator.”