A touch and gesture pad for a swipe/tap entry verification system and a method of operating the touch and gesture pad are disclosed. The touch and gesture pad includes a housing that defines a compartment. The touch and gesture pad includes a wiring connector for attachment to a wiring harness to provide power and communication with a processing unit. A PCB is disposed in the compartment. A plurality of IR TOF sensors are disposed on and electrically connected to the PCB for sensing gestures and touches to the touch and gesture assembly. The plurality of IR TOF sensors each includes a transmitter for transmitting an infrared beam and a receiver for receiving the infrared beam after reflection from an object near one of the plurality of IR TOF sensors and for outputting an IR TOF signal to the processing unit indicating touches or gestures.