James Richard Henry Burns CBE (31 December 1916 – 26 December 2002) or also referred to as J. R. H. Burns,[1] was a British police officer from England who served in several high-ranking positions which included being a member of the Brunei Privy Council and Brunei Police Commissioner.

[2] He was educated at Eastbourne College,[3] and would go on to marry Rosamund Jackson (née Ward).

[6] On 16 March 1967, he attended the graduation of 39 recruits at the police headquarters in Brunei Town.

[4] Burns was bestowed the Manteri title Yang Dimuliakan (The Exalted One) Pehin Datu Pahlawan Diraja on 19 April 1973.

[9] He also received other titles such as Dato Seri Pahlawan, and other awards of recognition during his lifetime service to the Brunei government.