Hi-Way is its own seperate entity, independent from state
police and one
of the very few Federal agencies that still has jurisdiction even in
the free states. Hi-Way officers are underfunded, and spread far
too thin to really be effective, but nevertheless they patrol the
highways between metropolitan areas. The only law on the desolate
stretches of road in the wastelands. 
Due to the restructuring after the collapse, local
sherrif departments
no longer exist, instead the small towns fall under the jurisdiction of
Hi-Way.The most common assumption one can make, is that Hi-Way cops are nothing more than nomads with a badge, and in many ways this is true. Even their uniforms suggest this, consisting of black leather and occasional armor plate add-ons. Their Black muscle cars and lightning fast bikes further support this. In fact, many members of Hi-Way are former nomads themselves, adn many more officers take up the nomad lifestyle upon retirement. Close ties to the nomad community is a necessity for Hi-Way, and as such, they will let most nomad offenses slide, like open weapon mounts, and non-compliant vehicles. Since quite often nomads may be the only available backup inc ase of Raffen-Shiv attack, and vice-versa, the relationship and blind eye turning is well worth it.
What Hi-Way is really there for is to keep the roads safe
for
non-nomads, such as tourists, static travellers, corporate drivers, and
local residents, and provide a deterrent for the Raffen-Shiv which
plague the highways in the badlands like a furious swarm.
Funding for Hi-Way
is provided by each state, and is usually just
enough to pay for the vehicles and salaries of the officers, with a
slight bit left over for medical and operating expenses. Weapons
and equipment must generally be purchased out of the officers own
pocket, and all too often fuel for their vehicles as well. In
addition to the old highway patrol stations that now serve as Hi-Ways
headquarters, officers have also set up shop in all the local sheriff
departments and jails. Often the community itself
in these small
towns supplements the income of these Hi-Way officers.
Regardless, Hi-Way leathers and Intercepters are some of the most
highly prized items in the nomad community.
While the pay isn't much, and the dangers on the road
are great, not
only from Raffen-Shiv, but from smugglers, bootleggers, and fugitives
as well, the lifestyle definately has its appeal. Of all law
enforcement branches, nothing provides the same level of personal
freedom as Hi-way, and for some, the open road and a fast vehicle are
all the incentive required.Unfortunately the same things that make Hi-Way appealing also may lead to corruption. With little outside monitoring, there have been reports some of these remote Hi-Way outposts have completely taken over their territory, ruling with an iron fist and charging exhorborant amounts for safe passage. There are also rare reports of Hi-Way officers actually working with the Raffen-Shiv.
SAMPLE HI-WAY OFFICER
Hi-Way Officers are issued the following gear:
BLACK
Hi-Way issue HEAVY LEATHER (SP:4) Jacket and Pants
Ion Cuffs x2
Steel Handcuffs x4
Stripwire binder and dispenser (x10 stripwires)
First Aid Kit
Hi-Way officers generally must purchase their own weapons
Ion Cuffs x2
Steel Handcuffs x4
Stripwire binder and dispenser (x10 stripwires)
First Aid Kit
Hi-Way officers generally must purchase their own weapons
and additional equipment)
ISSUED THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES:
Big, mean, agressive. The Max Intercepter is the standard vehicle in use by Hi-Way officers. Slightly faster than a Tomcat, far more armored, this is just the vehicle needed for the lengthy periods of isolation on the cruel roads of Americas Wastelands.
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Police radio, stereo, onboard computer with satellite link to headquarters, SP 20 armorglass barrier between the front and back seats, retracting electrically controlled spotlights, loud speaker, SP 20 armor glass, solid rubber tires, loudspeaker, front video camera (recorder is located in the trunk), Crash Webbing (counts as SP: 15 for passengers in crashes and collisions), Gun Bracket, evidence kit, first aid kit, limited off-road capability (anything else a HI-WAY officer must purchase himself.
Designed specifically for law enforcement, the Mitsubishi PCM-520 features hinged and armored side panels for the officers protection, providing him ample cover without restricting his ability to bail rearward if necessary in an emergence. The forward ehadlights, mounted in retracting cowls on both sides of the bike are contrasted by the emergency lights, red on front and blue on the side panel ends. The police markings themselves are designed from a slightly bio-luminescent material, allowing them to be plainly visible at night without causing a distraction on the road. The bike is aerodynamically maximized, and is able to reach incredible speeds. While a civlian version is sold, this bike is only for experienced riders, beginners are strongly recommended against purchase.
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Off-road capability, police radio, spotlight (in storage compartment).
(Written by Deric Bernier, images from Mad Max, Deric Bernier, Chrome 2, and an unknown artist.)