A cooperative relationship is maintained by the UPD with the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Nueces County Sheriff's Office, as well as other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the area. Providing a secure campus is of the utmost importance to the University. To promote a safe environment, police officers patrol the campus both day and night, monitor the security of buildings, and offer nighttime escorts to students and employees when requested. Campus safety is also promoted through regular maintenance of buildings and grounds, including the prompt replacement of non-operating lights and the trimming of bushes from building entrances and walkways. As a public institution, the University maintains an open campus.
Academic buildings are accessible to student and faculty during daytime and evening hours.
Some facilities, such as the library, are open on weekends. Many cultural events and special programs are open to the public. Individual classrooms and laboratories, however, are usually limited to students enrolled in specific courses. Access to private offices and certain other areas is restricted through the issuance of keys. Academic and administrative buildings are closely monitored to ensure that no unauthorized persons are in these facilities after closing hours.