Healey said she was “proud” of the Massachusetts State Police when asked about misconduct in the agency. She acknowledged that problems occur and said she and her administration ensure swift action, adding that she had worked with law enforcement as a prosecutor and attorney general.

Minogue criticized that response, arguing that leaders must explain how they will prevent misconduct from happening again. He cited reports of serious wrongdoing within the department and said Healey’s response that “sometimes things happen” was inadequate.

The candidates also disputed Healey’s handling of Cook, who was arrested on federal SNAP and wire fraud charges the day before the debate, according to the account of the proceedings. Cook had previously faced state drug and gun charges. Minogue questioned why Healey’s office hired him and pointed to a roughly $31,000 contract buyout payment that the governor’s office described as a mistake, as well as allegations that Cook improperly received SNAP benefits administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance. The allegations are not proof of guilt.

Healey said she fired Cook immediately when state police arrested him and said she would dismiss anyone in her administration who committed wrongdoing. Asked after the debate whether she knew before hiring Cook about 2001 charges involving a shooting in Springfield, Healey did not give a direct answer. She said, “I wish I never hired LaMar Cook,” and later said she expected integrity from everyone working for her administration.

Records obtained through a public-records request reportedly showed that State Police had informed Healey’s office of Cook’s criminal history before he was hired. The debate account did not include a direct response from Healey confirming whether she had seen that information.

WCVB anchor Ed Harding moderated the debate, with panelists Sharman Sacchetti, Adrian Walker and Tiziana Dearing. The event was presented with El Planeta and The Bay State Banner.

The candidates also addressed affordability, energy costs, housing, immigration enforcement, business and resident departures from Massachusetts, and education. Minogue urged Healey to enroll the state in the federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. Healey said she was still reviewing it and argued it was a tax policy rather than an education policy, pointing to increased state funding, literacy investments and vocational education expansion.

Healey cited visitors and companies coming to Massachusetts when asked about outmigration. Minogue countered that tourists attending events such as the World Cup would leave afterward. The candidates are scheduled to face voters in the Nov. 3 general election.