A system includes a processor and a memory for evaluating a focus status of a video camera. The system receives a video image from a video server in accordance with a predetermined schedule. A selected focus classification procedure is performed on the received video image. The focus state of the video image of the video camera is classified in accordance with the focus classification procedure and determining from the video image whether the video camera is in a state of focus. A warning count is cleared when the video image is determined to be in a state of focus and an alarm indication is set when the warning count exceeds a predetermined threshold.