In 1976 Richard "Dick" Turner and associates founded the National Academy for Police Driving (NAPD). The first courses focused on the challenge of operating a motor vehicle while effectively protecting the public. As a longtime law enforcement driver trainer with outstanding qualifications (which include automotive design expertise and competition driving experience), Dick believed that safe driving is in large part, based on a positive and informed mental process. After receiving national acclaim for these early courses, other courses were developed for a wide range of vehicles, drivers and conditions. This expansion warranted a change in the company's name. The acronym NAPD was already being used so the word Police was changed to Professional giving us the National Academy for Professional Driving.

NAPD relied on many experts to developed and delivery advanced drivers training courses. Over the years Bob Stage and Rocky Coltellaro have turned thousands of professional drivers into certified instructors. With Bob and Rocky directing the courses Richard became increasingly busy as an expert witness in the fields of accident investigation and reconstruction.

2008 brought international business that facilitated the formation of another academy, the International Academy for Professional Driving (IAPD). Richard Turner, Brian Turner and Bob Stage maintained the original courses and in 2009 began to reengineer them to meet current academic standards. NAPD returned to its roots in 2009 to once again focus exclusively on law enforcement driver training. While there will always be a professional kinship between NAPD and IAPD, they are separately owned and operated companies.

IAPD has moved forward Internationally with the formation of IAPD Canada ULC.

Sadly, Dick Turner passed away March 10, 2010. He left behind two sons, Brian and Richard as well as four grandchildren. NAPD, IAPD and countless individuals have been enlightened through Dick's genius. He will be missed.