The use of biometrics may have an impact and IIRC there was a thread on their lack of value before.

It appears to be a classic military-industrial-security complex offering a technological option, which is grasped without much real hard thought.

The USA and other usually rich nations maybe able to use biometrics; will the campaign against the LRA in Uganda be affected by them? No.

All too often we hear that new solutions offer greater security and years later learn that cheaper options are more effective; in support I'd cite a UK report that better lighting is better for crime prevention than CCTV.

You cite a few examples of value in your post and point to a NYPD success, could you please add links to those?

Has any independent review been conducted on the impact of biometrics?

Human Rights and Ethics have a place too.