A group is working to bring the Guardian Angels to San Jose.

The volunteer organization aims to bring law and order to the streets without wearing a badge.

Robert Cortese is spearheading efforts to start the Guardian Angels in San Jose. He sees a need to help the low-staffing levels at the police department.

"I know our police force is half of what it used to be and that's just a beacon for criminals," Cortese said.

The Guardian Angels have organized in San Jose before, but the chapters did not last -- some said members were taking more of a law enforcement role than they should.

"We're not super heroes," said Sean Rodgers, a Guardian Angel. "We just want to keep an eye out and be a visual deterrent."

The San Jose Police Officers Association said observing crime is strongly encouraged, but the union has no comment on the Guardian Angels coming to the city.