What is the suggested solution to regulate the clown profession, and why is it important?
Instead of having the police determine which clowns are "legitimate" on a case-by-case basis, I think the profession needs to step up with some (self-)regulation. Anyone who wishes to wear the uniform of a licensed clown must go to an accredited clown college, demonstrate familiarity with all aspects of clowning (including history, ethics, etc), and pass a final laughter exam. Clowns who scare children or otherwise sully the profession by engaging in unethical behavior will be required to appear in front of the Board of Laughter and Whimsy to face consequences, up to and including declowning. Only when society takes the profession seriously will we be able to weed out the bad apples.