PORT ORCHARD — A level three sex offender has registered as a transient, with no fixed residence, within Kitsap County.

As a level three offender, courts have deemed Steven M. Arnold, 21, as having potential to re-offend.

In 2002, at 15 years old, Arnold was convicted of first degree rape of a child for sexually assaulting two juveniles between ages 9 and 12.

He knew both children, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

Since Arnold is a transient, he is required to check in at the Kitsap County Sheriff’s office each week.

“If he wasn’t a transient then his requirements for checking in wouldn’t be as frequent,” said Kitsap County Sheriff Deputy Scott Wilson, adding that unless offenders are restricted by court rulings, they are free to reside where they choose.

According to a press release from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, as of April 30, there were 20,198 sex offenders registered in the state. About 726 live in Kitsap County and surrounding areas and 94 are in jail or in Washington state Department of Corrections.

About 18 years ago, legislation passed the Community Protection Act of 1990, which requires registration of sex offenders.

To inform families of sex offenders living in their area, the following Web sites provide free search services:

The Web site, www.familywatchdog.us was developed by John Walsh from America’s Most Wanted. It is a national search database and all that’s required is a city zip code.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) also has a state sex offender information center at ml.waspc.org. It’s specifically for the state and requires entering a residential address. The database searches up to a 15-mile radius.

To establish a neighborhood watch program or for more information on personal safety contact Deputy Pete Ball, the Sheriff’s Community Resource Officer at (360) 337-7074.