Motorola XPR Mototrbo series radios

I have a general question regarding this radio line. I understand that these radios have a “remote monitor” feature according to their website. I would like to know if this is a feature that can only be activated if the target radio is already on, or is it something can be activated on a radio that a person has turned off. My co-workers seem to think our boss can “turn on” our radios even if we have them off to listen to our conversations. I disagree and say that we must have the radio on in order for him to do this. Who is correct?