CANTON, Ohio — The Canton Police Department on Thursday released the personnel files of the two officers involved in the fatal encounter with Frank Tyson, showing their training, the results of the background investigations during the hiring process, and what little we know about their short careers on the force.
Both officers who responded the night of April 18 had only been serving on the streets of Canton for a matter of months. They were hired near the end of 2022, but they graduated from the basic training academy at Stark State College in July of last year.
During the hiring process for Officer Camden Burch, the background police investigator learned that during his employment at Target from 2016 -18, Burch had stolen some snacks. "[Burch] said there were analog grips to a PlayStation controller that he placed on his controller to see if they would fit. … He stated he forgot about paying for it and left with the merchandise. He was caught by asset protection."
The investigator said Burch "appeared focused, determined and prepared to start a career in law enforcement." The investigator recommended him for the job but also expressed concern that "not only did he get terminated from Target for stealing, but he did not mention it during his [voice stress analysis] with Lt. Talkington. I believe Camden did make a mistake when he was younger and is trying to downplay it because he knows it will be of concern for this career. He had many excuses for the theft that downplayed his role."
The investigator also wrote, "While he does show many positive traits, which would excel in law enforcement I fear that taking responsibility for his actions is a problem for him."
Last year, Burch was reprimanded for "failing to report for duty" for a shift in August and another shift in September.
In the recommendation for Officer Beau Schoenegge, the investigator said he is "very good candidate" and "this is the field he has always wanted."
"In summarizing Schoenegge, I found an individual who was well mannered, well liked and respected among his peers," the investigator said.
The file did not reveal much about his short time as an officer. It mentioned that while pursuing a suspect in September, Schoenegge reversed his car and accidentally hit a concrete barricade. It also showed he has received two commendation awards since he was hired: one for his "swift response and persistence" in apprehending an armed suspect and another for his "teamwork and relentless pursuit" during a foot chase of suspects who were caught attempting to steal a vehicle.
The personnel files of both officers also included the letters they received from Canton Director of Public Safety Andrea Perry the day after their encounter with Tyson, notifying them that they are "on paid administrative leave effective immediately pending an investigation."