"have a reason to be" in the area you are in is very good advice.
However it is important not to get caught in a lie to the officer. I once got a wave from a SW on the side of a gas station in Wyandanch. I gave her a glance and I pulled next to the pumps. A LE marked was just driving by and did a U turn back to the where I was just as she came up to my open window.I shook my head know to her, closed the window and started to drive away. Cop pulled along side of my car (in the gas lot) and asked what i was doing there. I said I wanted to get gas. He then said "why didn't you get gas then?" and I replied "You can't see the credit card price until you get to the pump and I'll be damned if I'm going to pay an extra 20 cents a gallon". He then said "I saw you talking to her" (pointing to the girl). "What did you talk about" I said "she wanted a ride" and I replied that "I don't pick up hitch hikers." Cop knew it was over trying to trip me up and just told me to go.
During my days of SW mongering I always pulled to the shoulder, side street or parking lot to use/check my cell phone — just the kinda law abiding guy I am. On course I'm talking about my burner as my iphone is connected to my car's display via bluetooth.
Also a piece of advice: if LE drives in sight of you, even going in the opposite direction, consider yourself done for the day/night in that area and head elsewhere.
As always sage advice from Genius. I'm very cautious and tend to look much more often than I actually indulge in the hobby.
I've had several run ins with the PD over the years, mostly SCPD they are much more aggressive than Nassau or NYPD. Often they will get behind you and let you know they are there by driving on your ass to "run you out of town" particularly if you don't look like you belong in that area. I've also had them question me, once I was stopped and texting and when he asked what I was doing I held up my phone, another time I decided to be a wise ass and said something like "My neighbor told me there was a lot of crime around here, drugs, even prostitutes. I didn't believe it and wanted to see for myself. I'm going to complain to the county executive and tell him he needs to hire more of you guys to clean up the streets..." He didn't know what to say and mumbled something about its dangerous and I should get out of there.
It is helpful if you have a legitimate reason for being in the area, my profession gives me an excellent rational for being in almost any area. You should have some reason in mind, particularly if you are not comfortable talking to the police. In Coram and Hempstead say you're looking for the home depot. Central Islip you're trying to find the courts, or the Ducks stadium. Maybe you're looking for your friend or cousin who's a junkie, maybe you're thinking about you're moving to the area and wanted to see how it is at night, etc. Have a reason in mind helps. Yes, you don't have to answer the cop's questions, but refusing to answer will often raise suspicions, might end up with being stopped longer.
Driving in patterns/circles is not advisable. Back in pre-Guilani NYC when there were SW's all over, it was like a NASCAR track with guys driving in circles around the same block, you see the same thing at Cozine in Bklyn. Not advisable. Break it up. Go another couple blocks in one direction or another. Pause. Don't drive in a pattern. If you see a parked LEO don't drive past him repeatedly. If possible don't drive an easily recognizable/unusual car. The red mustang, yellow wrangler, etc stands out.
And remember Genius' greatest piece of advice, only commit one crime at a time. Make sure your car is working properly, tail lights, etc, no drugs, no guns, etc.
Stay Safe
Doc